Tournai

The city of Tournai, Doornik in Flemish, is located in Wallonia, at the southern edge of the Flemish plain, just 10 kilometres from the French border and, alongside Arlon and Tongeren, is one of Belgium’s oldest cities.

The city’s rich past shines through in the buildings of its picturesque historic centre—civil, military and religious structures: the triangular market square, flanked by splendid gabled mansions that once housed the guilds and adorned with a series of fountains, is the most spectacular in the region, while the tower, standing 72 metres high, is the country’s oldest belfry.

The famous 5 stone towers of Notre Dame cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are the most visible elements of the blend of architectural styles from different eras that make up the building.

Crossed by the River Scheldt, Tournai boasts several bridges; Pont à Pont is the oldest, while Pont de Trous, or Bridge of Holes, pierced with arrow slits, is one of only three bridges over the river still standing from the medieval military period.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The medieval Notre Dame Cathedral in Tournai, a jewel of architecture inscribed by UNESCO on its list of protected sites, and its 5 towers of grey stone dominate the city.

Built in the first half of the 12th century, the cathedral is a harmonious blend of architectural styles: the Romanesque nave, of extraordinary proportions, divided into nine bays spanning 48 metres, richly decorated capitals, the transept, evidence of architectural transition, and the early Gothic choir, rebuilt in the 13th century, make the interior of Notre Dame a true spectacle.

134 metres long and 66 metres wide, the cathedral stands in the heart of the historic centre not far from the left bank of the Scheldt. Externally, a Gothic portico shelters the double portal, whilst a large neo-Romanesque rose window crowns the bays.

Inside the small Chapel of Saint Louis you can admire large canvases by Rubens and other masterpieces.

Not to be missed

• The ancient houses on rue Barre Saint Brice and rue des Jésuites, the first built in Romanesque style in 1175 and the second in Gothic style in the 13th century.
• Art Nouveau buildings.
• The Halle des Draps, the Cloth Hall on the market square.
• The Église Saint Quentin, an imposing Romanesque church.
• Climb the 257 steps of the belfry tower and enjoy the panoramic views from the observation platform.
• St George’s Tower.
• Beloeil Castle and its outstanding art collection.
• The Tapestry and Textile Art Museum.

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