Durbuy
Encyclopedia
Durbuy is a Walloon city
and municipality
located in the Belgian
province of Luxembourg. On 1 January 2007 the municipality had 10,633 inhabitants. The total area is 156.61 km², giving a population density
of 67.9 inhabitants per km².
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.
Tourism and recreation are its main activities nowadays.
The villages of Wéris
, well known for its megalith
s, Barvaux-sur-Ourthe
and Bomal
are located in the municipality of Durbuy.
Durbuy is often described, albeit without much justification, as the smallest city (sometimes town) in the world.
City
A city is a relatively large and permanent settlement. Although there is no agreement on how a city is distinguished from a town within general English language meanings, many cities have a particular administrative, legal, or historical status based on local law.For example, in the U.S...
and municipality
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
located in the Belgian
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
province of Luxembourg. On 1 January 2007 the municipality had 10,633 inhabitants. The total area is 156.61 km², giving a population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
of 67.9 inhabitants per km².
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.
Tourism and recreation are its main activities nowadays.
The villages of Wéris
Wéris
Wéris is a village in the municipality of Durbuy in Wallonia, Belgium. The village of Oppagne is part of Wéris.It is well known for its megaliths, including dolmens and menhirs. There is a "Museum of Megaliths" in the centre of the village...
, well known for its megalith
Megalith
A megalith is a large stone that has been used to construct a structure or monument, either alone or together with other stones. Megalithic describes structures made of such large stones, utilizing an interlocking system without the use of mortar or cement.The word 'megalith' comes from the Ancient...
s, Barvaux-sur-Ourthe
Barvaux-sur-Ourthe
Barvaux-sur-Ourthe is a village in the municipality of Durbuy in Wallonia, Belgium. It is situated on the Ourthe river, in the Ardennes forest in eastern Belgium....
and Bomal
Bomal
Bomal is a village in the municipality of Durbuy, Belgium.It is located at the confluence of the rivers Ourthe and Aisne.It was previously a municipality until the fusion of municipalities in 1977....
are located in the municipality of Durbuy.
Durbuy is often described, albeit without much justification, as the smallest city (sometimes town) in the world.