It is one of the oldest cities in Belgium,
with roots stretching back to Roman times
and a long history as an important political and ecclesiastical center.
During the early Middle Ages, Tournai served as a royal city of the Frankish kings,
before developing into a prosperous center of trade and craftsmanship.
Its architectural heritage remains among the most remarkable in the country,
especially through the Cathedral of Notre-Dame
with its five distinctive towers,
and the medieval Belfry, the oldest in Belgium.
Both monuments are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites
and reflect the city’s historic importance across centuries.
Stone houses, bridges,
and old guild streets still preserve the atmosphere of this historic riverside city today.
Few places in Belgium offer such a visible continuity between antiquity, medieval power, and living urban heritage.
The site exists in 15 languages
click on the flag below.
Visit Tournai.com
is an independant website
part of the "Visit Project"
from Phone Book of the World
The idea is to encourage the promotion
of "
cultural heritage"
using
dot.com
everybody understands
and the popular
vist domain style.
The key of the project
is the expression
Visit
Modern Tournai blends this historic richness
with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Its riverside promenades, museums, and lively squares invite exploration,
while cafés, markets, and cultural events
give the city a warm and approachable character.
The surrounding countryside and nearby villages
add to the calm rhythm that defines everyday life here.
Tournai is a place where Roman foundations meet Gothic towers,
where centuries of history stand beside everyday Walloon life
and cafés, and where the city continues to preserve its timeless character along the Scheldt.