Purchase at the Château Fort, the Ducal Museum and the Godefroy Archaeoscope. Adults: 15 €, Children: 11 €
BOUILLON CASTLE
Situated on a rocky spur overlooking the river Semois and dominating the town, it impresses by its stature and austere appearance. And for good reason, this medieval fortress is the oldest and one of the most interesting in Belgium. Its first fortifications date back to the 8th century, although its existence is only attested to from 988, just before the construction of its majestic keep (destroyed by the Dutch). It was inhabited by the famous knight Godefroy de Bouillon, who sold it to finance his first crusade (1096) to the Holy Land. When the latter died in 1100, the castle became the property of the prince-bishops of Liège, then of the Dukes of Bouillon, and remained so until the conquest of the French Revolutionaries in 1794. The castle was heavily remodelled in the 16th century, then two centuries later under Vauban (during the wars of Louis XIV). In 1815, it became Dutch, became Belgian again, but after the battle of Sedan in 1870, the Prussian army will use it as a hospital. Today, it is a peaceful museum, but it has nevertheless retained its medieval character: narrow corridors, stone staircases, secret passages, dungeons ... The visit gives an idea of life in the Middle Ages, always prey to wars. The panorama that can be seen from the castle or its surroundings is impressive.
Falconry. There is also an exhibition on hunting with birds of prey: falcons, buzzards, eagles, owls and vultures in free flight. Shows at 11:30, 14:00 and 15:30 (17:30 in high season) interactive with the public.
DUCAL MUSEUM
The richness of the collections and the charm of its listed buildings (17th and 18th centuries) touch visitors. Three sections, spread over more than 1,000 m², offer a panorama of Bouillon's rich history, from the Middle Ages to the present day. In the "History" section, the past reveals its many facets linked to the Age of Enlightenment, with the relief plan of the town of Bouillon in 1690, and the books and newspapers printed in Bouillon in the second half of the 18th century, when the encyclopaedist Pierre Rousseau turned the town into an important press and publishing centre in Europe. It is above all a few strong points that distinguish it from other museum institutions. In the "Medieval" section, the Crusades are obviously approached through Western and Eastern art objects, weapons, furniture and models, Islamic and Byzantine ceramics, some Gothic ivories and fine goldsmiths' pieces. The centrepiece: a polychrome wooden opening virgin from the early 14th century. The "Metallurgy" section focuses on the industrial testimonies of the region with the presentation of a forge hammer and a nail factory from the 18th century. In addition, the top floor of the "Godefroid de Bouillon" section displays the ironworks of Bouillon. The visit ends in front of the works of the Ardennes painter Albert Raty, an artist of Bouillon origin.
ARCHEOSCOPE GODEFROID DE BOUILLON
Live the Crusade! Located in the heart of the city, the Archéoscope Godefroid de Bouillon welcomes you for a fascinating audiovisual show in the footsteps of the Crusaders. The show route brings together the best of technology to make you relive the epic of the First Crusade in the footsteps of Duke Godfrey, Peter the Hermit and the thousands of men on their way to Jerusalem. The Archeoscope is also an exceptional building steeped in history. From the impressive roof structure to the remarkable vaulted cellars, you will then set off to discover the Convent of the Sepulcrines and its exhibitions on the theme of the Crusades and the fortifications.
