Tournai, Belgium, Travel, Hotels, Attractions, Flights

Tournai is a municipality located 85 kilometres southwest of Brussels, on the river Scheldt, in the Belgian province of Hainaut. It is the second oldest city in Belgium and has played an important role in the country's cultural history.

Tourist Attractions

Tournai is considered to be one of the most important cultural sites in Belgium. The mixed Romanesque- and Gothic-style cathedral of Notre Dame de Tournai and the belfry, the oldest in Belgium, have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Inside the cathedral, the "Châsse de Notre-Dame", a beautifully ornated 12th-century reliquary, gives witness of Tournai's wealth in the Middle Ages. Other places of interest are the 13th-century Scheldt bridge (Pont-des-Trous) and the Great Market (Grand'Place), as well as several old city gates, historic warehouses, and a variety of museums.

Festivities

The "Great Procession" has taken place every year since 1092, with the single exception of the year 1566, when the iconoclasts considerably damaged the religious symbols of the city. This historic procession unfolds in the streets every second Sunday of September.

The first Monday after January 6 is known as "Lost Monday" or "Perjury Monday" (Lundi parjuré). This tradition dates from more than 700 years ago. The wealthier city inhabitants used to prepare fastuous family dinners and elect a king. Today, the family dinners have expanded to wider groups and a rabbit dish is often served.





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			Website for Tournai Tournai.be, Site officiel de la Ville de Tournai, Belgique. Tourisme, hotels, administration, économie, sport et culture à Tournai Tournai Hotels/Accommodations & Reservations We have no traveler comments for Tournai, Belgium. Help us and your fellow travelers and be the first. Click here to log your comments. Thank you. Welcome to Tournai Tournai is a municipality located 85 kilometres southwest of Brussels, on the river Scheldt, in the Belgian province of Hainaut. It is the second oldest city in Belgium and has played an important role in the country's cultural history. Tourist Attractions Tournai is considered to be one of the most important cultural sites in Belgium. The mixed Romanesque- and Gothic-style cathedral of Notre Dame de Tournai and the belfry, the oldest in Belgium, have been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Inside the cathedral, the "Châsse de Notre-Dame", a beautifully ornated 12th-century reliquary, gives witness of Tournai's wealth in the Middle Ages. Other places of interest are the 13th-century Scheldt bridge (Pont-des-Trous) and the Great Market (Grand'Place), as well as several old city gates, historic warehouses, and a variety of museums. Festivities The "Great Procession" has taken place every year since 1092, with the single exception of the year 1566, when the iconoclasts considerably damaged the religious symbols of the city. This historic procession unfolds in the streets every second Sunday of September. The first Monday after January 6 is known as "Lost Monday" or "Perjury Monday" (Lundi parjuré). This tradition dates from more than 700 years ago. The wealthier city inhabitants used to prepare fastuous family dinners and elect a king. Today, the family dinners have expanded to wider groups and a rabbit dish is often served.