Durbuy

Durbuy (French pronunciation: ​[dyʁ.bɥi]) is a Walloon city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. The total area is 156.61 km², consisting of the following sub-municipalities: Durbuy proper, Barvaux, Bende, Bomal, Borlon, Grandhan, Heyd, Izier, Septon, Tohogne, Villers-Sainte-Gertrude, and Wéris. On 1 January 2018 the municipality had 11,374 inhabitants[2] with the most populous town of the municipality being Barvaux not Durbuy itself which is known in Belgium as the nation's smallest city.

Durbuy
Municipality
Coat of arms
Durbuy
Location in Belgium
Location of Durbuy in Luxembourg province
Coordinates: 50°21.13′N 05°27.38′E
CountryBelgium
CommunityFrench Community
RegionWallonia
ProvinceLuxembourg
ArrondissementMarche-en-Famenne
Government
 • MayorPhilippe Bontemps (CDH)
 • Governing party/iesCDH, PS
Area
 • Total156.61 km2 (60.47 sq mi)
Population
 (2018-01-01)[1]
 • Total11,374
 • Density73/km2 (190/sq mi)
Postal codes
6940, 6941
Area codes086
Websitewww.durbuy.be

History

In medieval times, Durbuy was an important centre of commerce and industry. In 1331, the town was elevated to the rank of city by John I, Count of Luxemburg, and King of Bohemia.

In 1628 Anthonie II Schetz obtains the Seigneurie of Durbuy, by permission of Felipe IV of Spain. One of the people connected to the city was the son of Lancelot II: Charles Hubert Augustin Schetz, (1662-1726), Count of Durbuy. In 1756 the descendants of the House of Schetz obtain the Castle. Since then the House of Ursel resides in the Castle. The current castle was built in 1880.[3]

The Ourthe river flows through the municipality.

Tourism and recreation are its main activities nowadays. Durbuy is often presented and promoted as 'the smallest city of the world.'

  • Castle of the Ursel family.
  • City limit sign describing Durbuy as the smallest city in the world
  • Rue des Récollets in Durbuy
  • Topiary park in Durbuy

See also

References
  1. "Wettelijke Bevolking per gemeente op 1 januari 2018". Statbel. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  2. Population figures 2018
  3. Histoire, contes, légendes du Pays de Durbuy
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