Huy Fortress was constructed by the Dutch in 1818, not many years before Belgian’s independence. It’s a monumental building dominating the city of Huy. The fortress and the city are a worthwhile destination in their own right. Its hosting of the Museum of Resistance and Concentration Camps makes the trip only more worthwhile.
This is undeniably a building for military purposes, but during the World War 2, it was used mainly as a prison.
The museum evokes one of Europe’s most miserable periods, and it evokes it well. This is not a visit to lift your spirits.
Room after room in the huge facility tells the story of World War 2. The pre-war conditions in Germany, the rise of fascism in Germany, Italy and Spain, the repression of minorities, life in the concentration camps and the resistance movement in Belgium and Northern France.
The story is mainly told through pictures, newspaper articles, pamphlets and other documents from the era. There is little commentary - it is left to the visitor to form an opinion.
Practical Information
The museum can be accessed by walk or by cable car. The entrance by walk is however not challenging, and provides a nice route with some photo opportunities. Once in the museum, you can spend easily a few hours if you want to see all, though you may find that you can only bear so much.
The visit is good value for money. This is a well documented museum in an impressive architectural building. The exhibits could be presented a bit better (with better lighting). Facilities are Spartan, but the panorama on top makes up for that.
Nearby visits:
- City of Huy, with a boat trip on the Meuse river
- Modave Castle - a medieval castle partially destroyed and rebuilt in the 17th century, belonging to the Major Heritage of Wallonia.
- Jehay Castle - a 16th century castle with an architecture unique in Europe.
