Basilica of Our Lady - Tongeren, Belgium

Cathedral Ceiling
Originally uploaded by kden604.

The Basilica of Our Lady in Tongeren can be seen from everywhere in the city. It's massive 64 metre tall tower dwarfs the other buildings and makes for an impressive and rather ominous looking tower.

The corner stone for the Basilica was laid in 1240. The present building is far expanded and made more grand than the original. The side chapels were added in the 13th and 15th centuries while the previous Romanesque style tower was replaced between 1442 and 1541 with the current gothic style.

The church itself has a very interesting history. Legend has it that Bishop Saint Servatius first built a church on this spot in the 4th century. Archeologist's can confirm from ancient masonry that there was indeed prior structures on this spot in the 4th century as well as the 9th century.

The Basilica of Our Lady also houses one of the richest collections of Belgian religious art and artifacts. The statue of "Our Lady of Tongeren" being one of its finest pieces of art, which was sculpted in 1475.

Personally I found several items of extreme interest, mainly the amazing ceiling and massive stain glassed windows.

The church is currently (2007) undergoing restorations and renovations which I am sure will only further develop the sanctity of this beautiful Basilica for years to come.

Basilica of Our Lady stands right in front of the Great Market, the statue of Ambiorix and a host of wonderful restaurants and pubs. Grab a seat in one of the open air cafes and enjoy the beautiful tower.

Happy Travels!

Moeren Gate (Moerenpoort) - Tongeren, Belgium

Tongeren, Belgium
Originally uploaded by kden604.

The Moerenpoort (Moeren Gate) in Tongeren was first constructed in 1379, over 100 years after the initial wall was starting to be built in 1241. In 1673 the French demolished and damaged most of the gates, but the Moeren Gate survived.

It was first restored years later in 1892, thanks to the Historical Society. It was then further restored during it's second restoration in 1958.

Today the Moerenpoort stands proud as an entry portal to the historical sights of Tongeren. Additionally, the tower has several rooms which are now used to teach visitors about the military history of Tongeren and also give tourists a wonderful view of Tongeren.

Walking along the city walls from the base of the Moerenpoort towards the town centre is also very beautiful and definitely worth doing before leaving Tongeren.

Ambiorix - Belgian Hero

Ambiorix
Originally uploaded by Merodema.

Everyone knows Ambiorix right? Ok, everyone from Belgium knowns Ambiorix, but Me, nope never heard of him. If you want to keep the Belgians around Tongeren happy then you better learn a little about him. Trust me you don't want the, "You don't know who Ambiorix is?" look over a seemingly civil conversation.

So let's start our welcome to Belgium historical tutorial of Ambiorix now.

As you walk down the streets of Tongeren Belgium you will pass the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady with it's 64 metre high tower as you enter the Great Market. There standing in the centre of the Market is the great Statue of Ambiorix.

The statue was put in the Great Market of Tongeren on September 5, 1866. A statue of one of the oldest legends of the land, in the oldest city of the land, Tongeren.

Ambiorix was a Prince of Eburones, a Belgic tribe from North Eastern Gaul. Caesar wrote in De Bello Gallico, "Of all the Gauls, the Belgae are the bravest." Which is considered to be in reference to Ambiorix, who was one of the first tribal leaders in history to stand up to Caesar and the Roman military.

He managed to kill an entire legion of Roman troops before he was eventually overtaken by 50,000 Roman soldiers. Though he didn't succeed in his struggle against the Roman Empire he certainly proved that they weren't invincible and even tribal leaders could stand up against Caesar.

Today Ambiorix is considered one of Belgium's National Heros. You will see his likeness in statues, beer labels, chip stands, and municipal works though-out the country.

Though there is a chance you might see a middle aged man dressed up like a warrior swilling beer and carrying an axe! I suggest buying him a pint and befriending this warrior, or he might raise an army against you too.

Belgium is an interesting and beautiful country with a rich heritage and is a great tourist destination for any history lover.