County of Namur - The Spanish Period

The Spanish Period

During the Spanish period (16th and 17th century), Namur received a bishopric's seat. The Spanish king Philip II wanted to turn Namur into a catholic bastion that would function as a bulwark against the rising Calvinism. This is why Philip II required several religious orders to establish themselves in Namur. As a consequence the city got a specific catholic character. Philip II also managed to make considerable reïnforcements to the Citadel of Namur. In 1577, Philip II sent Don Juan of Austria to the Netherlands as the new governor. In Namur, Don Juan received Margaret of Valois (the sister of the French king), and organised a magnificent celebration in her honor.