The Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Dinant (Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dinant) is a thirteenth century Gothic church in Dinant, Belgium. It stands dramatically against the backdrop of a vertical limestone cliff on the banks of the River Meuse.
History of Dinant Church
The story of the Collegiate Church of Our Lady of Dinant began with a disaster. In 1227, a huge rockfall devastated the original Romanesque church. Rising from the rubble, the new church was constructed in the thirteenth century. It adopted the Gothic style that was thriving in the region, particularly the Mosan Gothic architecture that characterised the former principality of Liège.
The church has witnessed numerous historical upheavals. It suffered significant damages during the 1466 sack of Dinant by Philip the Good. Again in 1554 troops of the Duke of Nevers ravaged the town. Yet each time, the church was meticulously restored. Architects Léopold Schoonejans, Jules-Jacques Van Ysendyck and Auguste Van Assche resurrected the church from the ruins.
The Gothic Architecture
The building stands on the banks of the Meuse River, creating beautiful reflections on the waters next to the Charles de Gaulle bridge. Its most conspicuous feature is the sixteenth century pear shaped bell tower. This iconic onion dome has become the symbol of the region and contrasts wonderfully with the grey limestone cliff behind.
The stonework shows classic Gothic details, including pointed arched windows and sturdy side walls built using the local dark stone. The church stretches 50m in length and 30m across the transept. The central nave soars to a height of 22m. The side aisles reach a height of 14m. Cylindrical columns support the large arcades of the nave, generating feelings of majesty and simplicity.
The Interior of Dinant Church
The interior, despite structural constraints, exudes a sense of grandeur typical of Mosan architecture. The Latin cross plan achieves unity through its consistent elevation. Octogonal capitals, adorned with regional motifs, crown the columns. These support the large molded arcades, a triforium with trilobed arches and tall windows with extravagant tracery.
Dinant Church features a fifteenth-century baptismal font and a gilded altarpiece. A painting by Antoine Wiertz titled We’ll Meet Again in Heaven is a distinctive attraction.
Stained Glass Windows
Soft, celestial light filters through the big stained glass windows and illuminates the interiors. The high altar and the exceptional acoustics transform every sound into a resonant echo. This landmark is the predominant reason why many call Dinant the Daughter of the Meuse.
Major Attractions in Dinant Town
- The Citadel of Dinant: It is an eleventh-century fortress sitting high on a steep rock cliff. It offers panoramic views of the the river and surrounding areas. Visitors must climb over 400 steps or ride a cable car to the top.
- The Saxophone Tribute: Dinant is the birthplace of Adolphe Sax who created the saxophone in 1846. A little museum, Mr Sax’s House, commemorates his life and saxophones. The Charles de Gaulle Bridge functions as an open air gallery flaunting 28 enormous and colourful saxophones.
- Leffe Beer: The famous abbey beer was originally brewed in Dinant, with a local visitor experience at Maison Leffe.
Getting There
Brussels Airport (BRU) is at a distance of 98 km (1 hr 7 min) via E411. Driving to Dinant from Brussels can take 1hr 25min (99 km) via E411. Luxembourg to Dinant is a drive of 152 km (1hr 34min) via E25 and E411.
Direct trains interconnect Dinant and Brussels in 1hr 25 mins. Check the Belgian Rail website for timetables. The Gare de Dinant is right in the centre of town.
Very good explanation and photos
Many thanks.