Porta de Sant Marti

Formerly located on the banks of the Meuse, Porte Saint-Martin, also known as Porte Sibert or Porta Salmier (named after the former mayors), is one of the city's urban gates .

It was built during works on the fortifications at the end of the 17th century . The building is made of brick and hewn stone and is attached to a massive circular tower that used to cover the walls . Since then it has been part of the Dinant City Council . On the Meuse side, the gate consists of a semi-circular arch in combination with a rubble roof with ridges. The first floor has a projecting facade (slightly behind the ground floor).

A chronogram inscription is engraved in a black marble frame: paX et saLVs neVtraLitateM ServantIbVs DetVr ( Peace and salvation be given to those who serve neutrality – 1637 ). It evokes the neutrality of the city of Dinant and also confirms the construction date of the building.

After the town hall was set on fire by German troops in August 1914, the gate and the back and side walls of the gate were badly damaged. Then a restoration was done.

Willem Vandenameele