Summary of Attractions in Tongeren
Belgium’s oldest city was established as Atuatuca Tungrorum in the 1st century CE. Prior to its foundation, the Celtic tribal leader Ambiorix resisted the Roman Empire in this region, commemorated by a notable statue on Grote Markt. Visitors can explore the remnants of Roman times throughout Tongeren, including the 1.5 kilometers of walls, the Gallo-Roman museum, and the archaeological site at the Teseum. As time progressed into the medieval era, Tongeren revealed its Gothic Basilica, 13th-century fortifications, and a beguinage nestled within its cobblestone streets. In contemporary times, the city has gained recognition for its weekly antiques market, featuring more than 350 vendors.
1. Gallo-Romeins Museum
Delve into Tongeren’s ancient history at this award-winning museum, which relocated to a contemporary building in 2011. The establishment traces its origins back to a 19th-century history and antiquarian society, enriched by excavations and discoveries spanning over 160 years.
The permanent exhibition covers human history in the Limburg region, beginning with the Neanderthals and extending through significant milestones such as the emergence of farming, the advent of trade, and the establishment of Atuatuca Tungrorum in 10 BCE. The museum showcases intriguing artefacts such as statuettes, steles, jewellery, architectural fragments, and a flawless 1st-century BCE bust of Julius Caesar, all presented alongside multimedia elements and numerous tactile items for an immersive experience.
Moreover, there is a temporary exhibition, with the latest focusing on the Dacian treasures of Romania, which opened in February 2020.
2. Basilica of Our Lady
During the tumultuous 13th century, Tongeren’s Romanesque main church was destroyed by fire and subsequently reconstructed in the Gothic style that stands today. The foundations of the current structure reveal remnants of earlier places of worship dating back to the 4th century CE.
The Basilica of Our Lady, as we know it, took over 300 years to finalize. Its notable features include a 55-meter spire-less tower, which serves as Tongeren’s belfry and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Within the basilica, visitors can admire the exquisite triforium and large canvases painted by Liège artists, such as Théodore-Edmond Plumier (1671–1733). The neo-Romanesque altar showcases a 15th-century walnut-carved polychrome image of Mary with Child, titled Onze Lieve Vrouw Oorzaak onzer Blijdschap (our dear lady, cause of our joy). Surrounding the church is the only Romanesque cloister in Maasland, featuring delicately carved capitals.
3. Teseum
Housed in the chapterhouse, the treasury of the Basilica of Our Lady presents a remarkable collection of Catholic art in Belgium. This treasure is combined with an archaeological site excavated to a depth of three meters.
Visitors can appreciate the origins of Tongeren through ancient building foundations and the remnants of seven preceding churches, many of which exhibit signs of fire damage, indicative of a volatile history.
The treasury features an impressive array of valuable liturgical art in gold and silver, including monstrances, candlesticks, reliquaries, illuminated Medieval graduals, and extremely rare relic pouches.
4. Tongeren Flea Market
Every Sunday morning, Tongeren is transformed by an antiques market that sprawls through the city across seven streets. On a typical Sunday, approximately 350 vendors set up in Tongeren, alongside around 40 antiques shops that welcome customers.
The Tongeren Flea Market, which began in the early 1970s, has evolved from a casual gathering into a weekly attraction that draws visitors from various European and American locales.
Stalls are often filled with vintage toys, collectibles, decorative art, antique appliances, and furniture from various eras, among other items. Early morning enthusiasts begin their quest as early as 07:00, and refreshments such as coffee or breakfast can be enjoyed at terraces lining the route.
5. Roman Walls
During the early 2nd century under Emperor Trajan, Atuatuca Tungrorum was fortified by a wall exceeding 4.5 kilometers, accompanied by moats in certain areas. The walls were constructed to a thickness of two meters, likely as a status symbol rather than for defense, given the prolonged period of peace during their construction.
The core of the wall was made from flint, which was ensuite covered with sandstone, although these materials have since been quarried. Remarkably, over a kilometer and a half of Tongeren’s Roman walls remain intact, with the most significant sections observable along Caesarlaan and Legionenlaan.
6. Medieval Walls
By the 13th century, when Tongeren faced threats from the Duchy of Brabant, the 4th-century Roman walls were inadequate for protection. In 1241, a construction initiative began, culminating in 13 towers, 6 gates, and a walled enclosure encompassing about 54 hectares (roughly 100 football pitches). A significant quantity of flint and sandstone from the Roman walls was repurposed for the Medieval fortifications.
Exciting remnants include the Moerenpoort gate, Lakenmakerstoren (the cloth-makers’ tower), and Velinxtoren (named after a prominent 16th-century family). The most well-preserved sections of the ramparts can be found along Elfde Novemberwal to the north and Leopoldwal to the east.
7. Moerenpoort
Among the six gates that regulated access to Tongeren during Medieval times, only the eastern Moerenpoort remains standing. The name references the marshes (moeren) on Tongeren’s eastern flank, accessible via the De Kevie nature reserve.
The current structure of Moerenpoort predominantly dates back to 1379 after reconstruction following an attack in 1344 by soldiers of the late Prince-Bishop of Liège, Adolph II of the Marck, against his contentious successor Engelbert III of the Marck.
The gate’s exterior showcases an ogival arch, while the interior features an older Romanesque round-headed arch. Its foundations consist of flint sourced from ancient Roman walls, with a three-storey tower resembling a keep situated above.
Following its last restoration in 2011, visitors can explore a free museum detailing the history of this gate and military history of Tongeren. From the top, a labeled viewpoint of the city and surrounding countryside is available.
8. Begijnhof van Tongeren
Located west of the Moerenpoort is Tongeren’s beguinage, a community for lay religious women who led a monastic lifestyle without taking a vow of poverty. This enclave, dedicated to Saint Catherine, was established within the city’s defenses in the mid-13th century.
Following the Counter-Reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries, the beguinage experienced significant prosperity, leading to the reconstruction of wooded houses in stone from 1610 to 1716. At this peak, there were over 100 properties inhabited by around 300 beguines.
With eight cobblestone streets and alleys to explore, visitors can find various remaining facilities. The old infirmary from 1659 on Sint-Ursulastraat has been converted into a brasserie, while the Baroque Ursulakapel serves as a solemn venue for concerts and discussions. Currently, the Gothic church of St. Catherine is closed to the public, although the structure can be appreciated from a café terrace or the adjacent serene little garden on the northern side.
9. Grote Markt
In a city as ancient as Tongeren, the notion of gathering in its plazas for centuries is captivating. Grote Markt, along with the adjacent Vlasmarkt and Graanmarkt located at the foot of the Basilica of Our Lady, has undergone pedestrianization and renovation over the past decade.
On sunny days, visitors often choose to relax at a brasserie or café terrace while enjoying views that include a robust statue of Ambiorix, Prince of the Eburones, the Stadhuis, and the aforementioned basilica. Additionally, a weekly market is held beneath the statue every Thursday morning, offering fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and textiles.
10. Standbeeld Ambiorix
This statue of Ambiorix (d. 53 BCE) portrays him defiantly holding an axe. He was a leader of the Belgic Eubrones tribe, which was conquered in 57 BCE. In 54 BCE, when Caesar’s troops were running low on supplies, they attempted to seize what they needed from the Eubrones.
The Eubrones resisted due to their own limited resources, and this led to an uprising that ultimately established Ambiorix as a national hero following Belgian independence in 1830. Although Ambiorix and his tribe faced annihilation, they successfully inflicted significant losses on a Roman legion and five cohorts prior to their defeat.
The statue was erected in 1866, depicting him in Germanic attire, crowned with a dragon helmet, and surrounded by a Celtic-style fence adorned with spears and wild boar heads.
11. Stadhuis
A devastating fire in 1677 resulted in substantial destruction of Tongeren, including the town hall. A new town hall was established in 1737 on the site of the previous cloth hall. Although construction was hindered by the War of the Austrian Succession, the building was completed in 1755 and features a Rococo style characteristic of the Maasland.
This new structure closely resembles the city hall in Liège, as both were designed by the same architect, Pascal Barbier. While the building primarily serves a ceremonial purpose today and is not open to visitors, it boasts stunning interiors, complete with exquisite stuccowork, paneling, Delft tile fireplaces, and Baroque furniture in the Liège-Aachen style.
On the exterior, admire the double stairway and the pediment showcasing the coat of arms of Georges-Louis de Berghes (1662-1743), the 94th Prince-Bishop of Liège, which was slightly damaged during the Liège Revolution of 1789-91.
12. Stadspark de Motten
Sited to the south of the city center, Tongeren’s municipal park provides a myriad of family-friendly attractions on warm summer days. A central highlight is the expansive pond, one of two within the park, featuring a boathouse that offers rowboat and pedal boat rentals.
Additionally, children can enjoy the park’s playground and a pedal kart track at the “traffic park.” The venue also offers a mini-golf course and a cafeteria for parents seeking a moment of relaxation.
13. Gasthuiskapel
Tongeren is located on the Way of St James, a pilgrimage route leading to the burial site of the apostle St James at the Cathedral de Santiago in Spain. For centuries, pilgrims utilized the Sint-Jacobusgasthuis hospice, which grew wealthy through generous donations.
However, the French Revolution led to its decline, and the hospice subsequently served as a hospital, orphanage, and rest home. In 1980, the building was repurposed to accommodate municipal services and now includes a hotel, shops, and residences.
The chapel now functions as the visitor center for tourism-related inquiries, adorned with historical architecture and features. Constructed in the mid-17th century, the chapel houses an altar, organ case, and confessional crafted during the latter half of the 18th century. Additionally, it offers regional delicacies for purchase, including top-fermentation beer, jenever (juniper liqueur), and various traditional sweet treats.
14. Roman Remains
Beyond the walls, additional evidence of Roman settlement can be discovered throughout Tongeren with some exploration. To the southwest of the city, in Koninksem, lie two identifiable tumuli dating from the 1st to the 3rd century BC, punctuating the landscape. Both are situated along the Romeinse Kassei, a Roman road that corresponds to the current N69. Approximately a kilometer to the north lies the Beukenberg, which is also designated as a protected monument.
Visitors can encounter Atuatuca Tungrorum, characterized by an earthen construction that conformed to natural terrain, combined with a six-kilometer-long embankment leading to the city center. Additionally, adjacent to the Roman wall at Caesarlaan, the footprint of an ancient temple has been outlined using modern paving materials along with informative boards for guidance.
15. De Kevie
For those wishing to escape the urban environment momentarily, a picturesque nature reserve lies along the Jeker River, southeast of the city. At De Kevie, the river has restored its natural meanders, flowing through marshes, reedbeds, and lands reclaimed by nature.
The reserve features four walking and cycling paths that guide visitors along the river and through areas of coppiced willows, poplars, and hedgerows. While exploring, keep an eye out for the Eurasian hobby, a swift falcon known for preying on grasshoppers and dragonflies. Maps labeled “Langs de Flanken van de Jeker” can be obtained from the Tongeren tourist office.
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