Mons

Mons, the capital of Belgium's Hainaut province, is a city rich in history and culture. In the city center, you'll find the Grand Place, a lively square surrounded by cafes and historic buildings. The city's skyline features the UNESCO-recognized belfry, a unique Baroque-style tower. Mons hosts the annual Doudou festival, offers various museums, and serves local culinary specialties. Beyond the city limits, you can visit Neolithic flint mines and other significant historical sites.

Grand Place

The Grand Place is the center of Mons' old city. This square is home to many cafes and restaurants where you can eat or drink while watching city life unfold. On one side of the square stands the Town Hall, a Gothic building that reflects the city's medieval history. From the Grand Place, cobblestone streets lead to independent shops and well-preserved historic buildings.

The Doudou Festival

If you visit Mons in June, you can experience the Doudou festival, a week-long celebration recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival's main event is the "Lumeçon," a theatrical battle between Saint George and a dragon. This spectacle, with roots in the 14th century, draws thousands of spectators. Throughout the week, you'll find processions, music, and cultural events throughout the city's streets and squares.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Mons has several UNESCO World Heritage sites in and around the city. The Belfry of Mons, the only Baroque-style belfry in Belgium, is 87 meters tall. From the top, you can see across the city and surrounding countryside. Just outside Mons, you can explore the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes, one of the largest and earliest groups of ancient mines in Europe. These sites highlight the region's archaeological importance and architectural achievements.

Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church

The Saint Waltrude Collegiate Church is an example of Brabantine Gothic architecture. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, the church houses a collection of artworks and relics. During the Doudou festival, you can watch as the reliquary of Saint Waltrude is placed on the Golden Chariot and carried through the city streets in a grand procession.

Museums and Culture

Mons has several museums for different interests. At the BAM (Beaux-Arts Mons), you can see temporary exhibitions of contemporary and fine art. The Mons Memorial Museum examines the city's military history, focusing on its role in World Wars I and II. For something unique, visit the Mundaneum, an archive and museum dedicated to classifying all the world's knowledge, considered a precursor to the modern internet.

Local Specialties

Try some local dishes while in Mons. The "Pâté Gaumais" is a savory pie filled with meat and herbs, while "Tarte au Sucre" is a sweet pastry often eaten as a dessert or snack. You can also taste "Gin de Mons," the city's own gin, available in many local bars. If you're interested in beer, the Brasserie de Mons offers tours and tastings of their locally brewed beers.

Getting There and Around

You can reach Mons by train from Brussels in about an hour. Once in the city, you can walk to most places in the compact city center. For sites further away, like the Spiennes flint mines, you can use local buses. Renting a bike is another option to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.