Historic places in Tongeren

Historic places in Tongeren

1. See

   Basilica of Our Lady and belfry

   Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Basiliek

   One of the most beautiful medieval monuments in the world. Built in Gothic style in the 13th century, where excavations have produced some of the richest archaeological finds in Flanders. Archaeological excavations have proven the presence of an edifice here starting from the 4th century, while a Carolingian prayer house existed here in the 9th century. The building of the choir of the present basilica began in 1240. Nave, transepts and side chapels were added between the 13th and 15th century. The original Romanesque tower was replaced by the present, 64-m-tall Gothic tower from 1442 until 1541. The basilica's interior is home to the statue of Our Lady of Tongeren, executed in 1475. The treasury is housed in the former hall of the Chapter and comprises one of the richest collections of religious art in Belgium. The basilica has excellent acoustics and is often used for symphony concerts. The belfry tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   Apr-Sep: Mon 13:30-17:00, Tue-Sun 10:00-12:00 and 13:30-17:00·€2.50 for treasury

2. See

   Betho castle

   Kasteel van Betho

   The oldest remaining part of this castle is the 15th century southern tower. Much of the rest is from the 17th century. On the northern side you can see a bit of the moat that once surrounded the castle.

3. See

   Herenelderen castle

   Kasteel van 's Herenelderen

   Castle with parts built during different eras. The oldest part is the Gothic marlstone section from the 16th century. It has a "Louis XVI-style" courtyard, and a farmhouse in Baroque style. The castle is private property but can be viewed from the outside from different angles.

4. See

   Moerenpoort

   Visépoort

   The last standing Medieval city gate, built in 1379 partially with material from the Roman walls, restored in 1892, 1952 and 2011. Originally the gate featured a three-storey building. Interestingly the façades of the gate look really different from each other, with a semicircular Romanesque arch towards the city and a pointed Gothic arch towards the countryside.

   In summer Wed-Sat 13:00-17:00, Sun 09:30-12:00 13:00-17:00. In winter only on Sun

5. See

   Roman Walls

   The original Roman wall, dating from the 2nd century, still visible on more than 1,500 m. You will also notice some of the medieval defensive towers that are still visible today.

6. See

   Rooi castle

   Kasteel van Rooi

   Originating in the 14th century, this castle has also been modified over the centuries. For example, the whitewashed northwestern façade got its current appearance in 1698, as the inscription reads. A farm was built on the premises in the 17th century, of this only the gate and a barn remains.

7. See

   Rosmeulen castle

   Rosmeulen kastel, Kastel La Brise

   Built in the early 20th century by the chocolate factory owner Florent Rosmeulen, it has Art noveau and rococo elements and two gardens (an English and an Italian one). The castle is private property, but occasionally open to the public during different events, at other times you can look at it from a distance.

8. See

   St. Agnes monastery

   Agnetenklooster

   Constructed in the 15th century by monks of the St. Augustine, rebuilt in Gothic style around 1550 after a fire. The southern and northerns wings have been remodeled over the years. The monastery was one of the few buildings spared by the French troops attacking Tongeren in 1677.

9. See

   Statue of Ambiorix

   Standbeeld van Ambiorix

   Completed in 1866, this statue depicts the fearsome leader of the Eburons, which was a tribe that defeated two of Caesar's legions in 54 BC. He is shown trampling a laurel wreath and Roman banners while wearing Celtic clothes and carrying a battle axe and a sword. Nowadays Ambiorix is one of the most famous characters in Belgian history.

10. See

    Widoye castle

    Kasteelwidooie

    Castle and farm, built in the 16th century but heavily rebuilt in the 18th century, giving it its current appearance. The moat is still intact, and the castle is often a venue for events.

11. See Not mapped

    Medieval ramparts

    The defensive walls from the 13th century measure 2600 m in length with six gates and twelve towers. The best preserved parts are in the north along Elfde-Novemberwal and east along Leopoldwal, where you can find the Moerenpoort gate.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Tongeren (CC BY-SA 4.0).