Tournai Town Square – The Grand Place in Belgium

Have you seen a triangular town square? I read Tournai Town Square is not square in shape but triangular in shape; that got me interested.

You will hardly find a town square that is not interesting in the European countries. Lined with cafes and restaurants, all you need to do is just pull a chair, relax, sip a cuppa and time will fly! I wish there was a similar concept in my country! Tournai town square was no different.

Tournai is one of the most important cultural sites in Belgium. The mixed Romanesque- and Gothic-style cathedral of Notre Dame de Tournai and the Belfry of Tournai, the oldest in Belgium, have been jointly designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Grand Place Tournai Town Square

Grand Place de Tournai

This town square or should I say Tournai Town Triangle was bustling with activities the day I visited it. The square is full of restaurants and bars. The notable landmarks surrounding the Grand Place are:

  • The Belfry of Tournai
  • The Cloth Hall
  • The Church of St. Quentin
  • The Princess of Epinoy statue is the centrepiece of the square, it is a bronze statue created by sculptor Aimable Dutrieux in 1864
Statue de la Princesse d'Espinoy - Christine de Lalaing

Statue de la Princesse d’Espinoy – Christine de Lalaing

Tournai Town Square History

This place was not always a Town Square. It was an abandoned cemetery. It was during the Carolingian Era, 8th to 9th century this place transformed to a town square. After the city got its liberties in 1187 from the king of France, residents of Tournai built the belfry and Grand Place soon turned to a place of economic importance.

Sadly, on May 16th and 17th of 1940 this town square was bombed by Germans. Classic old facades crumbled down, only a few escaped the wrath. Tournesians, not the ones to give up easily, rebuilt the Grand Place retaining the old charm and brought back the pre-war glory. There are a few buildings in contemporary style though.

Grand Place Tournai Town Square Facades

Grand Place Tournai Town Square Facade

Market Day in Grand Place Tournai

That particular day when I was there, it was the Market Day in Grand Place Tournai. So much hustle bustle around the area, with busy people all around. There are a series of water fountains that are fun to observe and even play in the middle of Grand Place. With so many stalls lined up it was hard to get to the water fountains.

Visit during the weekend to experience market set up in the square. It is packed full of good food, chocolates, clothes and knick-knacks. Various kinds of items were on sale, most of the waffle selling spots were crowded. The sights of interesting facade patterns, mostly red brick work decorated with various embellishments led us on.

Christmas markets of Tournai town square are a great attraction!

Market Day in Grand Place Tournai

knick knacks

Tips for Tourists in Tournai

  • There are several museums dedicated to different collections. Tapestry museum, Fine Arts museum, Folklore Museum are some.
  • City passes come in different prices, each catering to a variety of experiences according to their value. Entry to Belfry of Tournai and museums there is possible with these passes.
  • You can choose to rent a bike to tour the city.
  • A walking tour for food is another great experience.

Facades of medieval buildings around Grand Place de Tournai
Read more: Best Places to visit in Belgium

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