Crèvecœur Castle

Crèvecœur Castle, locally known as Château de Crèvecœur, lies on a high rock cliff next to the town of Bouvignes-sur-Meuse, in the province of Namur in the Wallonia region in Belgium.

It was built as part of the defense of the fortified town of Bouvignes in 1320. During medieval times, there was much hostility between the towns of Bouvignes and Dinant, located on opposite banks of the river. This was because the townspeople of Bouvignes were affiliated with the Church of Namur, while those of Dinant were connected to the Church of Liège.

The castle was modified during the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1554, the castle was besieged by the troops of French King Henry II, who had already sacked both Bouvignes and Dinant.

At some point during the siege, three wives of slain officers took over command of the defending knights. When the fighting stopped because the defenders had run out of ammunition, these three wives threw themselves, hand in hand, off the castle walls. They preferred death over capture. This tragic event also gave the castle its current name, as 'crève cœur' means 'breaking heart.' Earlier, it was simply known as the Bouvignes Tower. The castle has remained a ruin ever since.

Crèvecœur Castle is now freely accessible and offers some stunning views over the Meuse River valley. Additionally, the path through the woods leading from the town to the castle is very pleasant.

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