Tongeren (fr. Tongres)
A charming little town in north-eastern Belgium, situated on the Geer River, it is the oldest town in Belgium. Over the course of its more than 2,000 years of existence, Tongeren has witnessed many wars. Alternately destroyed and rebuilt. Attacked by Huns, Franks, Normans and Germanic tribes.
Despite the enormous destruction, many buildings remained in the city that testify to the splendor of Tongeren in the Middle Ages. We will also see here the wall surrounding the city built in the 2nd century AD. The jewel in the crown are the ones on the World Heritage List UNESCO Heritage, beautiful Beguinage and a magnificent Gothic basilica.
Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Considered the finest example of Gothic architecture in Belgium. It was the first Gothic basilica built of stone on this side of the Alps. Its construction It was built on a Romanesque building that had existed here since the 4th century, the remains of which have been preserved to this day in the lower floors of the basilica. In the 12th century, there was a more extensive and typically Romanesque building here, after its destruction, work began on the construction of the present-day basilica. Construction began in 1240 and lasted over 300 years until 1544. The highest point of the basilica is its Gothic tower, which dominates the city and surrounding area.
On The most important treasure of the basilica is the miraculous statue Blessed Virgin Mary with Child, made of walnut wood, coming from around 1479. It is a true icon of Tongeren, as evidenced by famous throughout Europe Septinalia , i.e. celebrations held once every seven years in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Tongeren. They attract 500,000 people each time. The Marian procession that leads Mary through the streets of the city and crowns it at the end, it numbers 3000 people. These celebrations have been held since 1890, when the statue was crowned. In the basilica this statue standing under a canopy is located in north transept. In the presbytery you can admire the intricately decorated altarpiece depicting scenes from life of Mary. The Basilica is open daily from 9am to 5pm - free admission.
Treasury in the Basilica of Our Lady (Schatkamer) has one of the largest collections of sacred art in Belgium. Reliquaries and monstrances dating back to the 10th century are collected here. The most valuable exhibit is an 11th-century Merovingian buckle depicting the pious Head of Christ. The entire collection contains treasures of sacred art from the 10th to the 19th century.
Treasury in the Basilica of Our Lady (Schatkamer) has one of the largest collections of sacred art in Belgium. Reliquaries and monstrances dating back to the 10th century are collected here. The most valuable exhibit is an 11th-century Merovingian buckle depicting the pious Head of Christ. The entire collection contains treasures of sacred art from the 10th to the 19th century.
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Address: Museumkwartier 2 (Vrijthof)
www.teseum.be |
VAULT OPENING HOURS Tuesday-Sunday:
10.00-17.00 |
FARE Adults: €6.00
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Ro Mansky monastery ─ on the eastern side of the basilica there is Romanesque monastery from the 12th century. It was expanded and rebuilt to its present form at the beginning 13th century, in order to enable the expansion of the Gothic chancel of the Basilica. Tombstones and corner chapels come from a later period. Between the monastery and the entrance to the Basilica, there is Romanesque figure of Christ from 12th century.
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Tongeren, the oldest city in Belgium
Ambiorix he was the king of the brave Eburones tribe, which inflicted the greatest defeat on Julius Caesar's legions, led by Cotta in 54-53 BC, during the campaign to conquer Gaul. Even though the entire tribe was exterminated after these events, the legend of it and its heroic leader has survived for centuries. In 1866 a monument depicting Ambiorix created by the sculptor Jules Bertin stood on the main square in Tongeren, opposite the Basilica of Our Lady. Nowadays it is one of the main attractions of the city.
Liberty Column (Perron) ─ in In the Bishopric of Liège, the Column of Liberty is a symbol of princely power and freedom Good Cities . Initially, the column was placed in the middle of the main square in Tongeren. In 1866, this symbol of freedom had to make way for the Ambiorix monument. In 1957 the Column was erected next to the Gallo-Romanesque Museum, and in 1985 it was moved to its current location.
Velinx Tower was part of a medieval wall built in the 13th century. It was built of flint and marl (sedimentary rock), materials used by the Romans in the Middle Ages for construction. The tower was connected to a small bridge over the Jeker River. During World War I this bridge was destroyed blown up.
Medieval defensive walls ─ In Following the destruction of the city in 1213 by the troops of Hendrik I, Duke of Brabant, the construction of medieval defensive walls began in 1241 to surround the city center. Several parts these defensive walls from the 13th century still exists, marking the path around medieval Tongeren. The best-preserved parts are located along the Leopoldwal and Elfde-Novemberwal. There is also the Tower of the Tapestry, which is part of the walls surrounding Beguinage , and Velinx Tower. In the 15th century the city walls were partially demolished, and XVII century, French soldiers destroyed the city gates. The defensive walls were restored in 18th century, however eventually had to give way to modernization in 19th century.
Medieval defensive walls in Tongeren, photo. PM
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Roman defensive walls, Tongeren, photo: PM
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Defensive walls from Roman times ─ n and on the outskirts of the old town, especially from the north to the west, there are still there are impressive remains of a 4,544-meter-long wall from the 2nd century. This wall was previously about 6 metres high and was reinforced at regular intervals with round watchtowers. Access to the walls was protected by several deep defensive moats. The entrance roads to the city were secured with monumental gates. Since the Middle Ages, Roman defensive walls have been systematically demolished and the material used to build them was then used to build houses and roads. Therefore, only the core of the once impressive defensive walls still exists today. A pedestrian zone was built along these walls, from the Bilzen road to the Liège road.
Town hall ─ Before the great fire of 1677, the old town hall was situated at the corner of the main square and St-Truiderstraat. At the beginning of the 18th century, a decision was made to build a new town hall, which still exists today. It was built on the site of the demolished cloth hall. Construction according to the plans of the Liege architect Pascal Barbier lasted from 1737 to 1759. The classicist style of the building is a good example of the style prevailing in this area in the 18th century. The interior is dominated by furniture from Liege and paintings in the style of Louis XV. The town hall is closed to visitors.
Tongeren War Memorial ─ j This is a war memorial commemorating all the victims and destruction that Tongeren suffered during the World War. The unveiling of the monument, which took place on April 28, 1926, was honored by the visit of King Albert I. The monument is made of blue-grey sandstone. It has four gargoyles (the decorative end of a gutter or fountain) in the shape of a lion's head. Originally, the part of the monument that was a fountain was lined with mosaic.
Gallo-Romanesque Museum is located at Kielenstraat 15. This is a wonderful museum, awarded the title of best museum in Europe in 2011. Attractive displays, stunning objects and multimedia presentations bring to life the stories of the people who lived in these areas centuries ago. The worlds of Neanderthals, Gauls and Romans come alive again. The Gallo-Roman Museum regularly hosts exciting events, exclusive exhibitions and fascinating workshops.
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Address:
Kielenstraat 15, 3700 Tongeren |
Opening hours:
Tuesday-Friday: 9:00-17:00 Saturday, Sunday: 10:00-18:00 |
Fare:
7 Euro |
The Moerenpoort It is one of the six original gates protecting the entrance to the city. As the only one remained to this day. It was built in 1379. Nowadays, the tower serves as a museum. We will find exhibits there regarding the history of the city. The museum's treasures are located on three floors. From the top of the tower you can admire the panorama of the city center and the beautiful medieval Beguinage.
Beguinage ─ crossing the Moerenpoort gate, we suddenly find ourselves surrounded by small houses, medieval churches, and narrow, cobblestone streets. In a place where time has stopped. This is the Beguinage. One of the oldest in Flanders. It was built halfway 13th century, right next to the river Jeker. Creating, as it were, a miniature city within the city. This charming spot has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998.
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Church of St. Catherine better known as the church beguinage or church of the brothers. It is one of the oldest temples in the city. This early Gothic church from 1294 has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current Baroque arch and turret (small tower) church bell, in which the smallest bell, also called a bell, is usually placed) were introduced into the church in 18th century century.
After the French Revolution the church came into the possession of the Ecclesiastical Commission in Tongeren. She passed it on in 1899 the church was handed over (for 99 years) to the Franciscan Brothers. Hence the popular name Church of the Brethren. Inside the church of St. Catherine has a rich collection of works of art, especially noteworthy they deserve wooden sculptures and paintings. Among the most important objects are: the pulpit made by Robrecht Verburgh in 1711, in the style of Louis XIV, the painting in the main altar was painted by Caspar de Crayer in the 17th century and the figure of the suffering Christ, funded by the Beguine Anna de Floz.
Beguines Museum It is located on the grounds of the Beguinage, in a house dating back to 1660. Visitor they will learn who the beguines were, how they lived, and how they made a living. During your visit you can visit the exhibition treasures of the beguines, watch a movie Beguines in the Netherlands, and visit the beguines' beer cellars, shop and herb garden.
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Address:
Onder de Linde 12 3700 Tongeren |
Opening hours:
Tuesday-Sunday 14.00-17.00 |
Fare:
4 euros |