Thon-Samson is a village in Wallonia, Belgium. Settled on the altitudes of Condroz, above the Samson valley, Thon is enclosed by remarkable green grasslands. It is part of the municipality of Andenne. History has constantly given rise to a distinction between the two, although today Thon and Samson are formulated as a single entity. Eventually, a comprehensive glance at their respective environments and edifice types will indicate differences that have withstood through the centuries.
It is a village of many castles. This beautiful little village, which has maintained its picturesque elegance, proposes remarkable views of the province. Seize a walk through the lovely freeways to appreciate its conventional limestone cottages and extraordinary sceneries in the district. The best place to spend your weekends.
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Address to Thon Samson fortress : 5300 Andenne
Samson Fortress
Are you wishing to go back in time? Do you want to feel the olden era of Europe? If you wish to experience the art architecture of ancient Europe then it’s time to visit the Samson fortress. The Samson Fortress was built around 300 AD and it was tracked down on an uneven outcrop in the Samson district, in the village of Thon. Thon is a village in the Belgian municipality of Andenne and is located on the right bank of the Maas, near the tributary Samson.
It was successively a Roman fort in the 4th century, a Frankish fort (circa 400 to 640), and a fortress of the county of Namur (circa 900 to 1691). Today only parts of two towers reside, which are noticeable from the passageway to the valley. Samson was one of the châteaux of the Count of Namur, Poilvache, Bouvignes, and Montaigne, amongst others. You can admire the ruins and architecture of the ancient era. This place truly tells the stories of the past. You will be lost in the time-lapse. A perfect place to enjoy a picnic in ruins.
Grottes de Goyet
A few kilometres from Namur, the Grottes de Goyet is considered one of the most prestigious archaeological areas in Europe. The Caves of Goyet constitute an outstanding archaeological site in Belgium.
Tracked down in the cavity of a 90-hectare limestone massif, the Caves of Goyet confronts a witness to a remarkable past. An archaeologist interpreter-guide will help you to find out and comprehend this confidential territory, where both Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon men lived using interactive technology which fetches the past breathing by touching, feeling, and visualizing the past.
Here you will discover the skull of the former dog on the planet, the central endeavors of Belgian prehistoric masterpieces, the tomb of a child of about 12 years old dating from the Late Neolithic era. These interactive occurrences and demonstrations compel history to come alive and put together the area more extraordinary.
One of the greatest magical instants is lighting the fire, which you will get to do with the archaeologist interpreter-guide, using the same techniques a prehistoric man would have. The Grottes de Goyet also have south acquainted gardens – perfect to loosen up and admire the Samson valley. In this prettiest village, the Caves of Goyet are the commencing point for many strolls. Highly recommended!
Château-Ferme de Thon
The castle farm of Thon-Samson is one of the extensively incredible monuments in the townlet. We speak of a “castle farm” since it is certainly a considerable fenced quadrangle composed of a seigneurial central tower and a neighbouring farm. Opposite the church, the castle was formulated in the 16th and 17th centuries from a medieval keep and is the obsolete seat of a land lordship cited since the 14th century. This enormous limestone slab is assembled around its courtyard.
Through the centuries, it has withstood numerous modifications giving it its recent face. The rest of the buildings in this ensemble are colonized by a huge farmhouse built in the 17th century and then refurbished and expanded in the 19th century. Right next to the main building, there is a little low door that gives access to the ancient bakehouse. You will also glimpse the existence of a charming little square tower at the corner of the surrounding wall. A perfect place to visit and spend time.
Saint-Remy Church
Saint Remy Church is the beautiful historic site of Thon Samson. This building imitates the ancient era of the Belgium. This building in Thon is a classical-style building dating back to 1780. It has a thoughtful adornment with pilasters headlining pinecones and flower-patterned motifs. You will relish the amazing interiors of the church. It completely reflects the past and combines it with presence.
The nave, which was expanded in 1892, ceases with a semi-circular channel extending from a gigantic limestone and brick bell tower. A perfect place for you to visit in this little village. The maintenance of the site is up to the mark. You will love the panoramic views of the landscape. Then you can soulfully pray In this aesthetic church. Highly recommended!
Scladina Cave
Scladina welcomes all visitors that it makes aware of one of the oldest heritages in Belgium. Scladina Cave is located near the village of Thon, along the south bank of the Meuse River. The archaeological center is located at the crossroads between science, pedagogy, and tourism. Walk into a relatively incredible cave for a voyage through time, all the way to the Prehistoric period. Here unravels the tale of a Neanderthal child, of bears, lions, hyenas, and rhinos.
The scientific interest for the site is essentially archaeological, paleontological, and anthropological. The scientific excavation was motivated by the discovery of artifacts in flint, quartz, and quartzite formed by Neanderthals before the discovery of Neanderthal human remains. The museum space is accessible Mondays to Fridays, 9 am to 4 pm.
A combined visit of the cave and the museum space is possible on the 3 rd Sunday of every month – one visit only, at 2 pm. Groups welcome, booking required. Special programs for schools and summer times. A perfect place to enjoy yourself with your family and friends.