Dinant, birthplace of saxophone’s inventor, attracts tourists with historical wonders

By Selen Temizer

BRUSSELS (AA) – Dinant, the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, has established itself as one of Belgium's most popular tourist destinations, thanks to its huge saxophones and natural and historical wonders.

Dinant is located in the French-speaking Walloon region of Belgium, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the capital Brussels.

The Meuse (Maas) River, which runs through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, divides the city into two. On one side of the river is the Notre Dame Church, which was built in the Gothic architectural style in the 1200s, and the Dinant Castle, which rises on a rock block behind the church and dates back to 1051.

When viewed from the opposite side, the castle, the rock-like hill, and the church appear in a natural unity and symmetry. The cable car, which goes up to the castle right next to the church, provides the visitors an opportunity to enjoy the unique view.

Just in front of this natural unity, there are colorful houses, cafes, and restaurants along the promenade of the river. Boat tours are often organized on the river.

Besides its natural beauty, Dinant is known for being the hometown of Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone.

Giant saxophones built in memory of Sax can be found in every corner of the city.

Among them, the colorful ones on the historical bridge that connects the two sides of the Meuse River stand out the most.

There is also a museum which was built on the site of the house where Sax was born in 1814.

The museum's doors are open to the public 24 hours a day and free of charge. The museum, which does not have any staff inside, tells the history and features of the eight-wind musical instrument that its inventor patented in 1846 under the name "saxophone."

The first saxophone produced by Sax is also on display in the museum.