Mons Old Town is eminent for its meandering cobbled streets and elegant squares. Set above a hill, it is a prehistoric place known for its fine medieval and 17th century architecture. The most prominent battle of the First World War was fought just below the old town. Mons Old Town emits charm and gentle cheerful atmosphere by the large student population residing here. To explore the vigor & novelty of this aesthetic & elegance tourist attraction, grab your Belgium visa now!
Places & festivals to relish in Belgium’s Mons Old Town
The Grand Place: Mons has many narrow streets that escort to the historical centre and the astonishing main square- the Grand Place. Around the square you will find enormous cafes and restaurants. In the centre of the square you will find an engraved circle that has names of the 19 townships that made up the Greater Mons area. The glorious buildings around the Mons old town dates back to 15th century with the most majestic one being the Hotel de Ville Town Hall. The Town hall was built between 1458 and 1477 in gothic style. Its tower bell was added later in 1717-1718. The wooden door of the Town Hall has an alluring lock in the shape of a castle.
Belfry of Mons: The Belfry of Mons is the bell tower in Belgium that was built between 1661 and 1672 to replace the old clock tower. It stands 87m high and provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area. You can even see far up to Brussels on a clear day. It is the only baroque technique belfry in Belgium that is announced as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Belfry used to serve as a watchmaker, now it has 49 bells of carillon that ring in every 15 minute’s duration. Inside the Belfry there is a museum that depicts the role it played throughout history. An Elevator will take you to the top and then you can make your way down via the 365 steps.
Collegiate Church Of Saint Waudru: Waudru was married to the Count of Hainaut and had four children with him. When Count of Hainaut planned to retire from a monastery Waudru took her daughters and designed a chapel in Mons Old Town. After her death, she was revealed as a Saint and her relics were connected with many miracles. A group of noble women known as the canonesses was created around her. The canonesses were 30 in number and were members from noble families around Europe. In 1449 they executed to build a big church, the collegiate Church of Saint Waudru that took 200 years for its completion. The church was built in Gothic style and its columns make the interior of the church look higher than it really is. Inside and above the altar there is a reliquary that shows the relics of the Saint.
Doudou Festival: The Doudou is the biggest festival of the Mons that takes place every year on the trinity day. It is dated back to 1348-1349 when the town suffered from Plague. The Canonesses pronounced to take the reliquary of St Waudru that was the patron of the town. The plague supernaturally disappeared and since then the reliquaries are paraded around the town every year to ensure the good health and fortune of the town.
To explore the vintage captivating aura of Mons Old Town, Apply for the Belgium Visa