The history of the city is closely linked with that of its main monument the 'Citadel' (stronghold, fortification). In the 3rd and 4th centuries the Romans built a fortified outlook post on top of the rock to defend the Meuse valley against invasions of Germanic tribes. Later, in the 10th century the Count of Namur replaced it with a wooden tower. Around the tower other buildings were added such as a wall, a water pit, a church and a new and bigger tower. Everything was built with stones. Nothing has remained of these first constructions. Between 1235 and 1245 a new fortress with two walls and four towers was constructed (only 2 towers remain, namely the 'Tour aux Chartes' and the Tour au four'). Other parts and towers of this 13th century fortress still exist as well as later additions from the 14th century.

When we showed up they were having a battle re-actment. We watched for over an hour and never say anything else.