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Owing to its strategic position at the tip of the principality of Liège and its special topography, the location of Thuin was bound to become a stronghold. Notger and his successors who fortified it certainly didn’t expect their decision to lead to the creation of what could be called a ‘collateral benefit’: the hanging gardens.
The bourgeois, who lived in the fortified town, had very few green spaces. During the various phases of the Ville Haute’s fortification, terraces were developed, both on the town’s north slope, on the Sambre side, and on the south slope, on the Biesmelle side. The hanging gardens allowed them to make the best use of the steep slopes, and to work these small pieces of land as vegetable gardens in order to feed themselves. Because of the sunshine, the terraces on the south side were always favoured. Perfectly situated to capture the sunlight, the sandstone walls absorb the heat thus creating a microclimate. As a result, vines were grown as well as vegetables. This tradition has been taken up again today with the production of a local wine: Le Clos des Zouaves.
These small gardens, which number 210 today for 75 owners, not only created green spaces and reinforced the slope, protecting it against erosion, but they also helped to protect the town. The paved alleys separating them acted as posterns (sally ports), known as postys in the local dialect.
A precious symbol of Thuin’s heritage owing to its historical importance and biological diversity, the site has been protected and classified since 1976. Above all, it is a particularly charming aspect of Thuin and an exceptional setting for a walk.
Thuin et les Jardins Suspendus, Edition de l’Office du Tourisme ASBL.
