Tournai


 * Intro to La Wallonie/ Les Ardennes**

The three main cities of this region are Liege, Namur, and Tuornai of course. Liege is also known as the “Cite Ardente”. Namur is located on the Meuse River, is historically a strategic, fortified city. And Tournai is famous for it’s 18th century royal porcelain.


 * Tournai**

The greatest tourist attraction of Tournai is the Cathedral of Notre Dame.

Known for its Romanesque and early Gothic architecture, this five-towering structure was built in 12th and 13th centuries.

It contains the silver and copper, “Shrine of Our Lady”.

The Museum of Tapestry is filled with wonderful collections of tapestries from the days when Dukes of Burgundy made the city the principle production center of tapestries in Europe. The Museum of Fine Arts is another must see in the city of Tournai. Designed by Victory Horta in 1929, the stunning example of architecture exhibits the work of Roger van de Weyden (from Tournai) as well as other 15th century French and Flemish artists.

A nearby castle owned by the Prince of Linge is famous for the Beloeil Castle’s expansive gardens.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt2yp9LaD9A



Map of Tournai

Tournai is the only city in Belgium that was once English.

One of the best known churches in Belgium is The Cathedral of Our Lady of Tournai.

Our Lady of Tournai Cathedral

During the fifth century Tournai was choosen by the Merovingian Frankish king as their capital.

When the Romans were on the road from Cologne to France they established Tournai.



Facts from: http://www.belgiumtheplaceto.be/one_your_there_maps.php