Known in Roman times as “Atuatuca Tungrorum”, Tongeren lies in the far eastern region of Belgium near the Dutch border. It is the country’s oldest town and takes its name from the Tungri tribe that once dominated the area. Tongeren flourished as a trade hub and later as a religious centre, with its magnificent basilica dating back to the 13th century.
Things to do in Tongeren
History buffs can visit the Gallo-Roman Museum, which exhibits prehistoric and Roman Age findings from throughout south-east Flanders. In 2011, it became the first Belgian museum to receive the European Museum of the Year Award. In addition to Neanderthal artefacts and Celtic gold work, it showcases Merovingian filigree and a model of Tongeren during Roman times.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Tongeren Beguinage, which was founded in 1257 to house a semi-monastic community of religious women. During the 17th century, it was home to around 300 beguines, who were offered peace from the city by an encircling wall. Explore the exhibits of the Museum Beghina before admiring the Gothic architecture of Saint Catherine Church.
Tongeren’s most impressive church is the Basilica of Our Lady, which was constructed in the 13th century on the site of a Merovingian church. Designed in a Gothic Brabant style, it is topped by a 64-metre-high tower and belfry that has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Don’t miss the treasury, which boasts one of Belgium’s richest collections of religious art.
Getting around Tongeren
Tongeren is around 20 minutes' drive from Liege and Liege Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Tongeren railway station and buses travel throughout the city. The centre of Tongeren can easily be explored on foot.