Page 239 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Belgium & Luxembourg

EASTERN W ALL ONIA  237

VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
Godefroid de Bouillon
Bouillon castle was once owned by the celebrated Practical Information
crusader knight Godefroid (1060–1100), Duke Esplanade Godefroid de Bouillon,
of Lower Lorraine. In 1095, Peter the Hermit, a Bouillon. Road Map D4.
French preacher, whipped the local populace Tel (061) 464202. Open Jul–Aug:
into a ferment over Muslim occupation of the 10am–6:30pm daily; Apr–Jun &
Holy Land. Godefroid took up the cause and Sep: 10am–6pm Mon–Fri, 10am–
joined the First Crusade, selling his castle to the 6:30pm Sat & Sun; Mar, Oct & Nov:
10am–5pm daily; Dec & Feb:
prince-bishop of Liège to obtain money for the 1–5pm Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm Sat
expedition. In 1099, his troops were the first to & Sun; Jan: 10am–5pm Sat & Sun.
enter Jerusalem and Godefroid was offered the & 0 Falconry Show: Mar–mid
crown of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. He refused to Nov: 11:30am, 2pm & 3:30pm
accept it on religious grounds, preferring instead daily. ∑ bouillon-initiative.be
Godefroid de to be called Defender of the Holy Sepulchre. He
Bouillon died in Jerusalem a year later. Transport
@

. Hall of Godefroid de Bouillon
A large room beneath a massive arch of bare stone,
the hall evokes a world of rugged military might.
Slots in the floor contain a large and mysterious
wooden cross that was discovered in 1962.

Drawbridges
The entrance to the castle was
protected by three draw bridges. One
was made into a stone bridge in
1716. The inscription over the arch is
dedicated to King Louis XIV.

The Entrance
There is only one point of access to this fortress –
through a narrow arch in the outer castle, flanked
by guardrooms. This is now the site of the ticket
office, shop and visitors’ information office.

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