As Cultural Capital of Wallonia since 2002, and European Capital of Culture in 2015, Mons is, more than ever, a city of art.
- Mons, Cultural Capital of Wallonia and European Capital of Culture in 2015,
- A city 3 UNESCO World Heritage masterpieces,
- City of history and tradition, looking to the future.
An important administrative, judicial and university city of the province of the Hainaut, of which it is the capital, Mons has consolidated its role as a major city for heritage and tourism.
Mons is the city with three UNESCO World Heritage masterpieces: the Belfry, the Neolithic Mines in Spiennes and the Doudou.
Heritage in the historical center of Mons
The city has a great number of quality museums and buildings listed as Walloon heritage in the historical centre, such as the imposing Saint-Waudru Collegiate church, the Gothic city hall dating back to the era of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Baroque belfry, standing 87m tall, unique of its type.
Numerous other buildings, including the oldest date back to the 11th century, illustrate Mons’ Civil, religious and military architecture.
Must-see visits around Mons
The outskirts of the city of Mons are green and host many first rate sites, such as the Grand-Large Marina, the Neolithic Mines in Spiennes and the famous Van Gogh House.
Mons, between tradition and modernity
A key part of Mons is, of course, the Doudou, that goes far back to a distant past of popular and religious traditions.
Traditions such as the Procession of the Car d’Or, dating back to the 14th century and the legendary “Lumeçon” battle between Saint George and a dragon which takes place every year in front of tens of thousands of people on Trinity Sunday (the first Sunday after Pentecost).
Last but not least, Mons is also a city that is looking to the future, with Initialis science park which regroups some 30 companies specialised in new technologies such as biochemistry, telecommunications, civil engineering and IT.
Welcome to Mons, European Capital of Culture 2015.
“Mons Tourist Office.” Wallonie-Bruxelles Tourisme (WBT Asbl). N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.
