Soignies
A city located in the Walloon region in the province of Hainaut, on the old Roman road leading from Bavay to Utrecht. Combining religious, historical and industrial heritage, rich in a monumental Romanesque collegiate church, it is known as the European center of blue stone. The origins of Soignies are linked to the founding of the abbey dedicated to Saint Vincent in the mid-7th century. In 1142, the Count of Hainaut, Baudouin IV, granted Soignies location rights. In 1365, construction of defensive walls began to ensure the security of the developing city.
Saint Vincent's Collegiate Church
The first monument that catches the eye in the historic centre of Soignies is the majestic Saint Vincent Collegiate Church, a jewel of Romanesque art, protected as an exceptional Walloon heritage site. The collegiate choir dates from the 11th century, and the Gothic west tower was built around 1250. Two massive towers, crowned with spires, give the building strength and majesty. The interior of the temple houses 17th-century Baroque furnishings. Beautiful carved oak stalls, a pulpit from 1670 and the main altar containing the relics of the church's patron saint, Saint Vincent. The magnificent rood screen is made of colored marble. The Chapter Museum, located opposite the collegiate church, displays the treasures of the canons (11th-18th centuries)
Traces of Soignies' medieval prosperity
In 1677, most of the fortifications that had defended Soignies for centuries were demolished. Traces of the defensive walls are still present, especially in the streets: place du Jeu de Balle, rue Neuve, Rampart Legros and within the old cemetery, now a city park. It was a burial place from the 14th century until 1890. In 1896, the Royal Circle of History and Archaeology transformed the 12th-century cemetery chapel into a museum.
In the area of Soignies and the surrounding villages there are numerous chapels and churches made of blue stone, extracted from nearby quarries. The most interesting include the 13th-century Gothic church of Our Lady in Louvignies and the 13th-century church of Saint Martin in Horrues, a jewel of Romanesque art.
In the area of Soignies and the surrounding villages there are numerous chapels and churches made of blue stone, extracted from nearby quarries. The most interesting include the 13th-century Gothic church of Our Lady in Louvignies and the 13th-century church of Saint Martin in Horrues, a jewel of Romanesque art.
Soignies tourist routes
On the outskirts of the city, on an area of 12.35 hectares, there is a city park whose main attraction is a 19th-century castle. This neoclassical residence was built around 1850. Its builder, Piotr-Józef Wincqz, was the owner of the quarries in Soignies. At the Bluestone Documentation Centre, you can learn about the history of mining in the city's quarries and see samples of the stone that made Soignies famous. In the same building is the Bordeaux Pharmacy Museum. The furniture used in the pharmacy in 1900 is presented here. Medicines and potions in their original packaging were arranged on the shelves.
In the Soignies area you can also admire several impressive residences and castles. The most majestic is undoubtedly the castle of Louvignies. This 19th-century manor house, situated on the edge of an English-style park, tells the story of daily life during the Belle Epoque. The tourist information office has prepared maps with tourist routes around the city. You can also use maps with cycling routes around Soignies and adjacent villages.
In the Soignies area you can also admire several impressive residences and castles. The most majestic is undoubtedly the castle of Louvignies. This 19th-century manor house, situated on the edge of an English-style park, tells the story of daily life during the Belle Epoque. The tourist information office has prepared maps with tourist routes around the city. You can also use maps with cycling routes around Soignies and adjacent villages.