Mons

The BAM Museum is the leading fine arts museum in Mons, hosting both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that span centuries of European art. The museum showcases works from the 15th century to contemporary pieces, offering visitors a diverse artistic experience. BAM regularly organizes exhibits that focus on individual artists or art movements, with past exhibits featuring renowned artists like Van Gogh and Picasso. The museum’s modern, airy design complements the displayed artworks, creating a serene environment for art lovers to explore. BAM is a cultural hub that enriches the city's artistic landscape, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The museum’s vaulted cellar, once part of a medieval monastery, now displays avant-garde installations contrasting ancient and modern. A little-known fact is that the building’s glass atrium was designed to align with the summer solstice, flooding the central hall with golden light at dawn.

The Belfry of Mons, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only baroque-style belfry in Belgium, standing at 87 meters tall. Built in the 17th century, it offers panoramic views of Mons and the surrounding countryside from the top. The tower features a carillon with 49 bells, which still ring out over the city today. Inside, visitors can explore an interactive museum that tells the history of the belfry and its role in the city's development. The climb to the top rewards visitors with breathtaking views, making the Belfry a must-visit for history buffs and those seeking stunning vistas. A secret spiral staircase, hidden within the walls, was once used by watchmen to ascend undetected. During World War I, the belfry narrowly escaped destruction when a shell lodged in its walls failed to explode, leaving it standing as a symbol of resilience.

The Grand-Place is the beating heart of Mons, a stunning medieval square surrounded by historic buildings, including the Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville), which dates back to the 15th century. The square is lined with cafés, restaurants, and terraces, making it a lively meeting place for locals and tourists alike. The Town Hall features an elegant Gothic facade, and nearby you can find the famous "Monkey of Mons," a small iron statue believed to bring good luck when touched. The Grand-Place regularly hosts festivals and events, including the annual Doudou festival, part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage. It's a great starting point for exploring the city. Look closely at the Town Hall's facade to spot the Hainaut Gothic and Renaissance architectural influences blended seamlessly. Beneath the square, archaeologists have uncovered remnants of a medieval marketplace, hinting at its role as a commercial hub for over 600 years.

The Mons Memorial Museum provides a deep and moving exploration of the city’s military history, particularly focusing on World War I and World War II. Located in a former water mill, the museum offers a modern, interactive experience with exhibits that include personal testimonies, military artifacts, and multimedia displays. Mons played a significant role in World War I, being the site of the first and last battles involving British troops. The museum encourages visitors to reflect on the human cost of war and the importance of remembrance. It’s an insightful journey through Mons' military past. Among its rarest artifacts is the uniform of a soldier who survived the Christmas Truce of 1914, complete with handwritten notes. The museum also houses a reconstructed trench system, complete with soundscapes that immerse visitors in the harrowing reality of frontline combat.

This stunning Gothic church, named after Saint Waltrude, the city’s patron saint, is one of the most impressive landmarks in Mons. Construction began in the 15th century, and although it was never fully completed, the church’s grandeur is undeniable. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite stained glass windows, magnificent sculptures, and a collection of religious artifacts, including the golden reliquary shrine of Saint Waltrude. One of the highlights of the church is the “Car d’Or,” a gilded chariot used in the famous Doudou festival procession. The church’s architecture and artworks make it a spiritual and cultural treasure. The unfinished south tower, nicknamed "the stump," adds a unique character to its silhouette, while the 16th-century rood screen depicts intricate biblical scenes in alabaster. During restoration work, hidden frescoes from the Renaissance era were discovered beneath layers of plaster, offering glimpses of lost artistry.