Dinant is a small town centered on the banks of the River Meuse in the Namur region of Belgium. The town dates back to the 7th century, and it has since had a long and often bloody history. Due to its prime location on the river, it has been caught in the middle of many major wars. The most infamous event in the town’s history took place in August of 1914. While WWI ravaged the country, German troops horrifically massacred 674 residents of Dinant in one single day.

Perhaps this is why Dinant has a reputation for being haunted. Multiple ghost sightings have been reported in the town’s Citadel and in the Church of Notre Dame de Dinant. Both buildings were built in the 11th century.

Anyone who knows me knows that I love ghost stories. I decided to visit Dinant for a day, precisely with the hope of meeting a ghost.

Whether the ghost stories are true or not, Dinant certainly looks haunted. I remember walking along the river, and being completely mesmerized by the mysterious beauty of the city. The River Meuse is wide, dark, and still. It lay beneath the bridges like black glass, and reflected the images of the citadel and the church of Notre Dame de Dinant. All I needed was a heavy fog and maybe some spooky noises, and I would have felt like I had walked into a ghost story.

I went up to the citadel with Justin and Meret. A terrifying chair lift slowly took us to the top of the hill. The citadel sits above Dinant on the highest point in Belgium. From the top, the view stretched for miles. The flat, green land seemed to be endless.
We also had fun checking out the WWI and WWII war plane and gun replicas.

Sadly, I did not see any ghosts during my visit to Dinant. However, I did see a lot of saxaphones. A lot. Adolphe Sax invented the saxophone in this very city, and let me assure you, the citizens of Dinant are proud. Saxophone statues are everywhere, and saxophone lamps and flags hang from the street lights. There is also a Sax museum dedicated to the life and triumphs of Mr. Sax.

I highly recommend checking out this sleepy, and mysterious little city in Belgium. At the very least, you get to snap some great pictures, and read about interesting history.

Soon after I left Dinant, I flew home to Budapest. Thus ended my Fall Break in Belgium. It was an absolute blast and a true learning experience. Cheers, Belgium! I’ll see you again one day.