Information
City: TournaiCountry: Belgium
Continent: Europe
Tournai, Belgium, Europe
Overview
Tournai, in Belgium’s Wallonia region, sits in the province of Hainaut and ranks among the country’s oldest, most storied cities, its cobblestone streets echoing centuries of history.Just a stone’s throw from the French border, Tournai has shaped the history of Belgium, France, and Europe for more than 2,000 years, its story etched in worn cobblestones and towering cathedrals.Tournai brims with history, from its soaring Gothic churches to its centuries-old streets, and treats visitors to a rich blend of art, culture, and unforgettable landmarks.In Roman times, Tournai began as a small settlement called Turnacum, its stone streets echoing with the clatter of cartwheels.Perched along the Escaut River, the city grew into a vital hub for trade and military power.By the 6th century, Tournai had also become a leading Christian center, housing the influential bishopric that later came under the Archbishopric of Cambrai.The city rose to prominence in the Carolingian era under Charlemagne, and in the Middle Ages its influence deepened, especially when the Counts of Flanders ruled, their banners fluttering above the market square.The city thrived as a wealthy trading hub, famous for its fine woven cloth, and often found itself caught in fierce political and religious clashes between France, Flanders, and neighboring lands.During this time, builders raised Tournai’s soaring cathedrals and stout stone walls.In later centuries, the city fell under both French and Spanish rule, and the rumble of tanks in the World Wars left deep marks on its streets.Still, it’s kept much of its historic charm and remains a key hub in Hainaut.Tournai’s skyline is marked by soaring medieval spires and stone towers, many of them part of UNESCO World Heritage sites.Visitors can step into the city’s past by wandering among Romanesque arches and Gothic spires, many carefully preserved or restored to reveal its deep-rooted history.The Cathedral of Our Lady, or Notre-Dame de Tournai, blends Romanesque strength with Gothic grace, its five towering spires making it one of Tournai’s most beloved landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site.Work started in the 12th century, and the building is known for its five towers rising against the sky and a facade carved with intricate stonework.Step inside and you’ll find medieval sculptures, glowing stained-glass windows, and a magnificent altar gleaming in the dim light.The cathedral’s belfry rises high above the square, while its dim, echoing crypt hides below-both worth seeing.The Tournai Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is among the oldest in Belgium, its worn stone steps telling centuries of stories.Built in the 12th century, it rises 72 meters into the air and gives you a sweeping view of the city’s rooftops.Part of a chain of medieval bell towers that once rang out the city’s independence, the Pont des Trous is a stone bridge and one of Europe’s best-kept medieval fortifications.Built in the 14th century, it still stands with stout defensive towers and creaking drawbridges that whisper of the city’s military past, while Tournai’s Town Hall, a striking Gothic landmark, rose between the 12th and 13th centuries.For centuries, it’s been the heart of local government, marked by its ornate facade, soaring Gothic arches, and a clock tower that chimes through the square.Just a short walk away, Tournai’s Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) stands as one of the city’s cultural treasures.Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of art, from gilded medieval icons to bold Renaissance portraits and striking modern pieces.You’ll find an array of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts here, including works by James Ensor and René Magritte.The Cloth Hall, once echoing with the hum of looms, stood at the heart of Tournai’s bustling textile trade.Today, the building houses a museum and exhibition hall, where visitors can see looms and fabrics from the city’s once-thriving textile trade.Just beyond it, the remnants of Tournai’s Old City Walls still trace the line that once enclosed the town.Sections of the old walls still stand near the Portes de Paris and Portes de Lille, their weathered stones hinting at the city’s medieval defenses.Tournai bursts with cultural life, hosting festivals, exhibitions, and lively events all year long.Fêtes de Saint-Roch: Each year in Tournai, townspeople gather for the Fêtes de Saint-Roch, a lively celebration honoring Saint Roch, the city’s patron saint, with bells ringing through the streets.The festival bursts to life with colorful processions, lively music, and time-honored traditions, making it a standout on the city’s calendar.The Tournai International Film Festival draws movie lovers with screenings of international features, sharp short films, and compelling documentaries.The festival brings filmmakers and movie lovers together to celebrate the art of cinema.Les Nuits de la Fête lights up the city’s squares and parks each summer with concerts, performances, and the warm hum of voices drifting through the night air.It highlights music from sweeping classical pieces to upbeat modern tunes.During Museum Night, galleries stay open under the glow of streetlamps, hosting special exhibits and events that let you see Tournai’s culture from a fresh angle.And when hunger strikes, the city serves up hearty Walloon dishes-think rich stews and crusty bread-shaped by its heritage and its closeness to France.Waterzooi is a Belgian stew, rich and creamy, usually made with chicken or fish, and it’s a beloved classic in Walloon kitchens.The dish usually comes in a creamy broth dotted with carrots, leeks, and chunks of potato.Tarte au sucre, a classic from Wallonia, is a golden sugar tart made with brown sugar, butter, and cream-perfect with coffee or as an afternoon snack.Boudin, a rich sausage, is often paired with mashed potatoes or baked into a hearty casserole.In Tournai and across much of Wallonia, it’s a beloved comfort food, the kind that warms you on a damp evening.And like many Belgian towns, Tournai takes pride in its beer culture, from crisp blondes to rich, dark ales.Local breweries turn out an array of Belgian-style beers, from crisp blondes and rich brunes to golden tripels and peppery saisons.You can sip a cold beer in one of the city’s cozy pubs or sunny café terraces, then hop on a train, bus, or drive-Tournai’s central station links straight to Brussels, Lille in France, and Kortrijk.Tournai’s station sits on the international rail network, so you can hop a train to Brussels or even cross into France without hassle; buses run by TEC weave through the city and nearby towns, while smooth cycling paths invite you to pedal past stone bridges and out into the green countryside, all against a backdrop of medieval lanes and centuries of history.
Landmarks in Tournai
