Top 10 Caves around Gesves

The first descriptions of this Trou Manto date back to 1833. The name refers to the prophetess Manto, daughter of Tiresias of Thebes, who was brought to Delphi after her birthplace was conquered by the Epigoni. From there she traveled to Asia Minor, where she married the Cretan Rhacius, with whom she had Mopsus, and founded a temple of Apollo in Claros. According to legend, she spent her last days in Italy. What the link between this cave and the legend from Greek antiquity is, is unclear. It is a fossil cave. In 1964, a narrow passage was made to the adjacent 'Grotte Sint-Etienne'. This junction is called the "birth" by speleologists. It is, along with the 10m deep shaft, the most difficult segment of the cave. The cave is not accessible to the public and has never been developed for tourism. Only with a membership card of the Belgian Speleological Union and a key can you access the limestone passages. To protect the site, it was decided to close the entrances with massive doors equipped with padlocks. However, as bats had been regularly present during their hibernation since 1970, the entrances to the two caves were only screened in 1990 to facilitate their entry and exit. Observations of these small mammals by NATAGORA led to the identification of several regionally endangered species, such as the lesser horseshoe bat and the Bechstein's bat. Vincent Poitier, a pioneer of the 4th Baden Powell unit of the Collegiate Church of Huy, organized several visits to the cave system together with scout leader Jean-Louis Cuvelier. Some entered through the Trou-Manto cave, while others, the more adventurous, went directly through the Trou St-Etienne cave. source: wikihuy.be

Practical information 🕒 Open: usually daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (seasonal) 🎟️ Terra Nova: from €6 🎟️ Underground galleries (with guide): from €14 📍 Guided tours at fixed times – reservations recommended A fascinating and diverse stop where heritage, experience, and history converge at the citadel of Namur.

Terra Nova is the main visitor center of the Citadel of Namur and is the ideal starting point for discovering the history of this impressive fortress. Through models, audiovisual presentations, and interactive displays, you'll gain a clear overview of the strategic role the citadel played for centuries in defending the city and the Meuse Valley. From Terra Nova, you can also descend into the citadel's underground passages. These tunnels were part of the defense system and served for the movement of soldiers, storage, and protection during sieges. The cool, long passages offer a compelling glimpse into military life and are a fascinating addition to the visible heritage above ground. Today, Terra Nova combines heritage, education, and immersion, making it an essential stop to truly understand the scale, complexity, and history of the Citadel of Namur.

The Arville Cave is located near Arville Castle in Faulx-les-Tombes and consists of several smaller cavities collectively known as the "Arville Caves." The most famous cavity is the actual Arville Cave (also known as the Trou du Chantoir), which is located on the northern slope of a paleokarst depression. This depression has a nearly permanent pond at its bottom, the water level of which varies with the seasons. The caves are not open to the public or tourists. They are primarily an interesting karst area for geological and local nature walks.

Located in the Solières valley near Huy, the Trou Manto cave is a limestone cave with a complex network of tunnels. Access is via a steep path supported by a rope. The cave has three levels with magnificent stalactites, a sloping floor with collapses, and twelve large columns supporting the vaults. The entire structure is an impressive karst phenomenon, approximately 600 meters long and 48 meters deep. The cave is protected and fenced off due to vandalism and to protect bats; visits are only possible with a guide or a caving association. The cave is known for its diverse hydrological phenomena and the legend of the Nutons, gnome-like helper beings from folklore. This combination of nature, history, and mythology makes Trou Manto a special place.

The Caverne des Romains is located at the top of the slope, 70 meters upstream from Trou-Manto. This southwest-facing rock is 12 meters high and 24 meters long. A beautiful porch forms an arcade 5 to 6 meters high, 10 meters wide, and 6 to 7 meters deep; it is made of compact limestone. It is more of a "rock shelter" than a true cavern or grotto, but it also makes a very beautiful climbing rock...

A collection of four caves, two of which are closed off as bat roosts. A steep climb or descent over a rocky path is definitely worth it.

A collection of four caves, two of which are closed off as bat roosts. A steep climb or descent over a rocky path is certainly worth the effort.