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 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
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.
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!
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.
Read more: Best Places to visit in Belgium
Pin this for later
market place is one thing I look for when I travel,
lovely scene.
would def, take a tour there when I say hello to Belgium.
Oh there is a Notre Dame de Tournai too. These structures fascinate me. Thanks
Yes, it is beautiful, wonderful architecture, thanks Indrani.
Beautiful and interesting place.
I fell in love with beer in Belgium. We were visiting friends in Antwerp. I was impressed with the architecture.
lovely picture. your account of the place is so interesting.
So very lovely.
Marvelous building with amazing architecture !
Lovely ambiance of old world charm
Europeans seem to have perfected shared public space!
Aloha from Honolulu,
Wishing YOU the Best
Comfort Spiral
=^..^=
> < } } ( ° >
I find European architecture really beautiful, great photo! Thanks Indrani and have a great week.
Such beautiful architecture! Such a beautiful, historical city!! Wonderful post for the day, Indrani!!
Nice buildings, look likes Amsterdam.
greetngs, Joop
Wonderful architecture, real world heritage.
You make it sound so inviting! Now I want to visit Tournai!