232 BELGIUM AND LUXEMBOURG REGION BY REGION
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp271–3 and pp297–9
STAR FEATURES. Tour d’Autriche
. Cour d’Honneur
. Hall of Godefroid
de Bouillon
Château-Fort de Bouillon h
Standing on a rocky plinth overlooking a loop in the
River Semois, the Château-Fort de Bouillon is of ancient
origin and is first mentioned in AD 988. The fortress
was a vital stronghold in the borderlands with France,
on a route often taken by invaders. It was home of the
pious knight Godefroid until he left for the First Crusade
(1096–99). Bouillon was still an important bastion in
1676, when it fell into the hands of Louis XIV of France,
who commissioned upgrades from his architect Vauban.
The castle survived its 15th siege in 1815 and finally
ceased its military role in 1853. It is now for the most
part unfurnished, but provides a fascinating insight into
castle architecture and magnificent views of the valley.
Bell Tower
Housed in a projecting machicolation,
the bell was used to ring out watch-
changes and orders. Cast in silver
alloy in 1563, it originally came
from a chapel and sounds for
nearly one minute when struck.. Tour d’Autriche
Winding stairs lead to the
top of the Austria Tower, a
key vantage point. Built in
1551, it was named after
George of Austria, one of
the prince-bishops of Liège.
The clocktower was
redesigned by Vauban.
. Cour d’Honneur
The fort’s main quadrangle once served as a parade
ground. Today, it features owls, eagles and vultures
and is also the setting for a spectacular falconry show.
Vauban’s three-slit
loopholes gave
defenders a broad
field of fire.Gun batteries