Castle of Crevecoeur

Castle of Crèvecoeur stands as atmospheric ruins in Bouvignes-sur-Meuse, part of Dinant in Belgium's Namur province, originating with 11th-century fortifications built by Godfrey I, Count of Namur. Count Henry the Blind subsequently reinforced the castle walls, with further development occurring in 1320 as part of medieval Bouvignes' defensive system. The fortress became famous through a tragic 1554 legend when King Henry II of France besieged the castle; as its defending knights fell, their wives reportedly chose death by cliff rather than surrender, inspiring the castle's name meaning "broken heart." Freely accessible year-round to visitors who accept the inherent risks of exploring ruins, the site remains under regional ownership and offers haunting perspectives of medieval conflict and romance along the Meuse River.