As you approach Dinant, it is the citadel on the high rock overlooking the town and the river which dominates. It is, however, the pear-shaped spire of the Collegiate Church of Our Lady that will attract your attention.
In 1227 a large slab of rock detached from the rock face, destroying a previous church on this site. It was progressively rebuilt during the 13th century. Additions were made after 1466 (the year of the attack by Charles Bold).
The characteristic bell-tower, referred to as onion shaped or pear-shaped and often compared to a tulip bulb is more Byzantine than Walloon and was its designers probably took influence from the crusades. The church contains many vestiges of 13th to 15th century religious art.