Tourist Attractions & Monuments Belgium

The Collégiale Sainte-Gertrude, a building classified as an exceptional heritage site in Wallonia, is truly exceptional. Consecrated in 1046 by Emperor Henri III of the Holy Roman Empire, the building is one of the largest and oldest Romanesque churches in Europe, in the Rhineland Ottonian Romanesque style to be exact. Its majestic silhouette is distinguished by its clean lines and the overall balance of its forms. Only a few parts date from the end of the 12th century (southern gable of the east transept and western forebody) but they fit perfectly into the previously built ensemble. It is remarkable for its two transepts and its two choirs, opposite each other, in the manner of a Byzantine basilica. The Romanesque octagonal bell tower has 49 bells and two turrets. One of them (known as the Jean de Nivelles Tower) houses a 15th century copper jacquemart.
Under the main nave, a converted basement allows an archaeological visit, offering the discovery of the foundations of the five successive churches preceding the Romanesque construction, built from the 7th to the 10th century. There is talk of the beginnings of Christianity in the early Middle Ages! The first Merovingian church, built around 650, houses the burial vaults of the first religious community of the abbey of Nivelles. The last church erected by the Carolingians contains the tomb of Ermentrude, granddaughter of Hugues Capet. Finally, the cloister gives us a vague idea of what the imposing abbey complex might have been like.

Dominating the Orneau, a small, quiet river that flows into the Sambre, the Spy Man's Cave is located in the woods. After the discovery of many bones in 1886, the cave became one of the oldest Paleolithic sites in Europe and carried out numerous excavations over time. These are, among other things, those discoveries that made it possible to accurately determine the existence of Neanderthal Man. The site is bordered by numerous marked trails through the surrounding woods. Right next door, the Spy Man Space is a new, accessible interpretation centre for individuals and groups (school or non-school).

Flagey is a cultural center in Brussels. It houses an art gallery, an exhibition space and a foundation. Flagey offers a varied program of music, cinema and festivals. The cultural center is easily accessible by streetcar or bus. Flagey also offers catering services for visitors wishing to eat in-house. For those wishing to find out more about Flagey, the website provides information on the history of the building, the team who work there and the cultural center's partners. Flagey also offers a membership program for art and culture lovers who wish to support the center and enjoy exclusive benefits.

Mega Speelstad is an amusement park located in the village of Wechelderzande, near Lille. It consists of two parts: Speelstad, an indoor park, and Toverstad, an outdoor park. Open all year round, the park is accessible to children up to the age of 12. It offers around 25 attractions, including a roller coaster and a water ride. The park is closed on other days of the week. Mega Speelstad can also organize birthday parties and school outings. Picnics and drinks brought in from outside are not permitted.

Overlooking the Orneau on its rocky spur, it was founded in the 13 th century. The abbey was then completely rebuilt during the second part of the 18 th century under the leadership of the famous architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez. Since 1861, the buildings welcome the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of Gembloux after being sold to the French Revolution. Located in the heart of the city and surrounded by a beautiful park, the abbey consists of the old quarter, in the form of H, of the monks'neighbourhood, where the old cloister, church and farm were located. These different parts of the abbey have been carefully renovated! All the renovations were made with natural materials, mixing the original style with a certain modernity. They are an integral part of the university faculty, including offices, audiences, or the science library. The site is accessible periodically to the public, including during the organisation of the Heritage Days (second weekend of September).

This covered bench, as long as a street, dates back to 1908 and refers to the period of the Belle Epoque. The elite then offered the luxury of a stay on the coast and after the long, iodine-filled walks, offered a moment of rest on the Paravang.