Castle of Crevecoeur

Dinant, Belgium

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The Castle of Crèvecœur, located in Bouvignes-sur-Meuse near Dinant, Belgium, is a medieval ruined fortress with origins dating back to the early 14th century. Perched on a cliff above the Meuse River, its oldest part is a square keep built around 1320, with subsequent expansions including a semicircular bastille from the 15th century.

The castle played a strategic defensive role in protecting the nearby towns of Bouvignes and Dinant, often involved in conflicts such as the wars between the counties of Namur and Liège. Its name, meaning "broken heart," is linked to a poignant medieval legend where three knights and their wives took their own lives rather than surrender during a siege. The fortress endured numerous sieges and battles, including a significant attack by the French in 1554 under King Henry II, which heavily damaged the castle and led to its decline as a military stronghold.

Although it lost defensive importance and was partly dismantled in the late 17th century, the ruins remain accessible, offering visitors striking views of the Meuse valley and a chance to explore a historically rich site reflecting the region’s turbulent medieval past.