The Top Things To See And Do In Mons Belgium

Though the name Mons will mostly ring a bell with history buffs, the elevated city has a number of pleasant surprises in store for the voracious culture seeker. From curious folkloric happenings to a museum that put Belgium on the map, Mons (literally meaning ‘mountains,’ although really just a hill) is a jovial kind of town, happy to share its past and future.

1. Marshal your thoughts at Saint-Symphorien Military Cemetery

Cemetery, Park

The peaceful St. Symphorien Military Cemetery, 2 kilometers outside the city center | © Wernervc/Wikimedia Commons/Flickr

Marshal your thoughts at Saint-Symphorien Military Cemetery

In a peaceful, hilly park two kilometers outside of Mons’ city center lies the final resting place of over 500 soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Mons. The white tombstones surrounded by trees and fields are impeccably maintained with two sections for both British and German graves. The beauty and significance of this tranquil spot pack a heavy emotional punch.

Saint-Symphorien Military Cemetery, Rue Nestor Dehon 32, Mons, Belgium

The peaceful St. Symphorien Military Cemetery, two kilometers outside the city center | © Wernervc/WikiCommons

3. Visit the house where Van Gogh decided to become a painter

Visit the house where Van Gogh decided to become a painter

Few are aware of this, but it was in the greater area of Mons, in the small village Cuesmes to be more exact, where tormented Vincent Van Gogh chose his life’s profession in 1880. Born in a Dutch upper-middle-class family, it was in the Belgian coal mining area – where he originally came to try out a career as a preacher – that he witnessed the hardships of poorer families, experiences that would later weave their way into his art as a major recurring theme. His modest house, the Maison du Marais, has been turned into a permanent exhibition dedicated to the spirit of its famous inhabitant.

Tue-Sun, 12pm-6pm

Maison du Marais, Rue du Pavillon, Mons, Belgium, +32 65 35 56 11

Van Gogh’s rather modest house while he lived in the greater area of Mons as a priest| © Jean-Pol GRANDMONT/WikiCommons

5. Travel through the giant Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift

Travel through the giant Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift

There’s a giant dominating the valley between the villages Strépy-Bracquegnies and Thieu, and he’s one of the ultimate examples of human ingenuity. Somewhat out of the center but a unique sight anywhere in the world, the mushroom-shaped boat lift impresses at 102 meters high. Once inside the concrete and steel monster, you get the chance to climb it all the way to the top and marvel at its efficient engine room. There’s even the opportunity to board a ship and make the crossing yourself like a true sailor.

Rue Raymond Cordier 50, Mons, Belgium

The Strépy-Thieu giant dominating the valley | © Michele M.F./Flickr

6. Admire one of Belgium’s most elegant Belfries

Admire one of Belgium’s most elegant Belfries

Belgium is the proud home to a collection of over 30 belfries inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, with the Mons’ edition as the only baroque one in the bunch. For centuries it determined the rhythm of the city with its 49 bells chiming away every hour. Erected in Bray sandstone and pillars out of bluestone, the Mons Belfort is one of the most elegant ones around and has become a symbol of Mons’ identity. A glass elevator will take you to the top for a panoramic view of the city.

Mons Belfort, Rue des Gades, Mons, Belgium

The only baroque belfry in the land | © Jean-Pol GRANDMONT/WikiCommons

7. Pet the Guardhouse Monkey

Hotel

The magic Guardhouse monkey of Mons | © Jean-Pol Grandaunt/Wikimedia Commons

Pet the Guardhouse Monkey

In a funny turn of events, Mons’ City Hall (a very fascinating piece of Renaissance architecture in its own right) frequently gets overshadowed by the innocuous-looking monkey statue on its façade. Where he came from remains a mystery, but the tiny creature might just have the most power of us all. Legend has it that stroking the head of the small iron fellow with your left hand will bring luck to those in love, even providing newlyweds with a baby within the year – though that also might have something to do with the fact that they’re newlyweds.

Mons’ City Hall, Grand Place 22, Mons, Belgium

The magic Guardhouse monkey of Mons | © Jean-Pol GRANDMONT/WikiCommons

8. Travel down the Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes

Travel down the Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes

Drive or bike two kilometers out of Mons’ city center, and you’ll find yourself at the largest and earliest grouping of ancient mines in Europe. With evidence of human presence since the Paleolithic age, its value in studying the history of mankind has been priceless. Traveling down into the mines is limited to 5,500 visitors a year due to conservation concerns, so make sure to book your ticket in advance.

Sundays from March to November, 10pm-4pm

Camp-à-Cayaux, Rue de la Petit Cavée, Mons, Belgium, +32 65 84 68 12

Only 5,500 visitors are allowed down the Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes every year | © Jean-Pol GRANDMONT/WikiCommons

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