7. Mons (Bergen)
The city of Mons is located south of Brussels near the French border, acting as a hub for several major routes that converge and spider out in all directions. Like many other Belgian cities, the city center is the historic Grand-Place, a lively square lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés. This is an excellent place to spend an afternoon admiring the buildings of City Hall (also known as the Hôtel de Ville), some of which date back to the mid-15th century.
Not far from here on a hill overlooking the town, tourists can admire the Belfry of Mons (also called El Catiau), an 87-meter, 17th-century Baroque tower that houses a carillon of 47 bells.
Tourists who would like to know more about Mons’ history and people can visit the Mons Folklore Museum (Musée de la Vie Montoise), located in a former convent. The Mons Memorial Museum gives a more in-depth look at how the city’s strategic position affected its history and the lives of its people, especially during WWI and WWII.
Art lovers will appreciate the freshly renovated Musée des Beaux Arts, which focuses on Belgian and French artists, and the Decorative Arts Museum Francois Duesberg has a significant collection of decorative items once belonging to French aristocracy, with an astounding exhibit of clocks.
8. Namur (Namen)
Namur is a smaller Belgian city that, similar to Mons, was the focal point of many conflicts due to its strategic position. The crowning jewel of this city is the Namur Citadel, located on an outcropping between the Meuse and Sambre Rivers. Tourists can explore the old fortification, including its ramparts, barracks, and underground tunnels, as well as take advantage of excellent views of the city below.
Some of Namur’s most historic buildings house its numerous museums, allowing tourists to be fully immersed in the history and culture. Namur’s Archaeological Museum is housed in a 1590 meat hall located in the central Old Town near the city’s most lively square, Place d’Armes.
The Museum of Ancient Art (Musée des Arts Anciens du Namurois) is located on the Rue de Fer within the 17th-century Hôtel de Gaiffier d’Hestroy, displaying regional crafts and art dating back to the Middle Ages. Ecclesiastical artifacts can be found at the treasury of the Church of Notre Dame, a beautiful Baroque church.
