Le Sanglier Des Ardennes

Old town of Durbuy.

by Roeffie

Durbuy has a nice square with a lot of good restaurants and cafes around it.

It has a medieval character with nice houses. It is one of the smallest if not the smallest cities in the world according to the Belgian Tourism Authorities. Drinking hot chocolate and a warm waffle on a heated terrace in the center of town.

More info on: www.durbuyinfo.be

Durbuy

by popoze

How the city came into being is a complete mystery, although its history presumably began in the Middle Ages. Numerous villages in the region were mentioned as early as the eighth and ninth centuries but Durbuy did not make an official appearance until the 11th century, when its feudal fortified castle was built.

Official parchment documents dating from 1078 and 1183 make a clear reference to "Dolbui Castello" and Castellum de Durbui" with its castle, and of course its estate. This was known later on as the "Terre de Durbuy".

Belonging to the Counts of Luxembourg between the 12th and 13th century, Durbuy was very soon incorporated into the defence system for the counties of Luxembourg, La Roche and the Region of Durbuy. La Roche, Bastogne, Marche and Durbuy joined forces many times to defend northern Luxembourg against invasions by hostile neighbours.

Gérard de Luxembourg, then Jean the Blind, the Count of Luxembourg and King of Bohemia, did their utmost to ensure these towns were well fortified.

Durbuy was granted city rights by Count John of Bohemia in 1331. A defence wall was built around the city.

As you can see, Durbuy has managed to retain its original layout right up to the present day. The road alignments are virtually the same. The ditches of the old city may have been filled in (1724-1725) but the perimeter of the surrounding wall is still visible. The great wall along the parking area from La Roche to the Falize (high cliff rock) dates back to 1724-1725.
During the 17th century, the city's gates and protective walls disappeared and the castle lost its towers and curtain-walls. However, the site's appearance is remarkably similar to the description Guillaume de Machault (1300-1377) made during one of his stays at the castle, as a guest of John of Bohemia (1296-1346

"City center is very nice."

Durbuy ... the smallest town in the world???

by Pavlik_NL

"Pretending to attract a lot of tourists ..."

Durbuy, the smallest town on earth, is still the slogan of this pictiresk little place with a deep valley of the Ardennes mountains. Charming it is, but the smallest city in the world it for sure is not (anymore). But let that not be a reason of not going here, as the place has a nice scenery to offer and a constant business with tourists coming and going from all over the globe always accounts for a certain atmosphere.

"Only for the castle it's worth a visit"

On the bank of the river Ourthe this wonderful castle is sitting on a rock and welcoming the many visitors to Durbuy. The castle already belongs for centuries to the family Ursel and has been renovated several times.

"Typical stone buildings of the Ardennes"

Durbuy holds a collection of almost all traditional build houses in the style of the Ardennes. This style reckons itself especially because of the buildingmaterial that was everywhere used and easily found. Rocks and "Lei"stone are the main ingredients. watch them closely when you are there ... it's quite wonderful how they did it in those days. Especially the "Lei"stone needs much work and a lot of patience.