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Tournai Cathedral

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Tournai Cathedral (Belgium)

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The Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Tournai is one of Belgium's most fascinating architectural monuments, distinguished by its five striking, pointed bell towers that dominate the city's skyline from afar. Construction of this gigantic masterpiece began in the 12th century. The unique aspect of this church is the harmonious transition between two distinct architectural styles: the massive, robust nave is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, while the choir was built in the 13th century using the then-new, light-filled, and graceful Gothic style. This architectural duality makes the building a rarity in Europe. Inside, the cathedral safeguards invaluable art treasures, including the famous rood screen crafted by Renaissance sculptor Cornelis Floris de Vriendt in 1573, as well as historic reliquary shrines. Due to its outstanding cultural and historical significance and innovative architecture, the cathedral was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3361013161818151173
Rain mm665956415963707653637076

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Tournai Cathedral is an active place of worship and can be visited free of charge during opening hours. The interior with its five towers is impressive.
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Typical hours
The cathedral typically opens daily from 9:00 to 18:00, on Sundays from 14:00. Access is restricted during services.
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Photography
Photography without flash is allowed inside, but please refrain during services. The stained glass windows offer great subjects in suitable light.
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Time needed
Viewing the interior takes about 30 to 45 minutes. If you want to visit the treasury and crypt, allow an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Belfry of Tournai and the Pont des Trouilles. The Museum of Fine Arts is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The cathedral is in central Tournai, easily reachable on foot from the station (about 10 minutes). Parking is available in surrounding streets and garages.
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Insider tip
Visit the cathedral in the late afternoon when sunlight streams through the windows. The treasury has a separate entrance fee.

Geography

Coordinates
50.60670, 3.38890

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Belfry of TournaiBelfry of Tournai<1 km · SWExplore →
Mont Saint-AubertMont Saint-Aubert6 km · NEExplore →
📍Baisieux10 km · WExplore →
Estaimpuis HillEstaimpuis Hill11 km · NWExplore →
📍Cysoing13 km · WExplore →
Trinity HillTrinity Hill13 km · NEExplore →
📍Leers13 km · NWExplore →
EstaimpuisEstaimpuis14 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tournai Cathedral (10)

Tournai Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai is a Romanesque-Gothic building and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Trésor de la Cathédrale🏛 museum

The museum displays liturgical vestments, goldsmith works and reliquaries from the cathedral treasury.

Carré Janson🏛 museum

A museum for contemporary art and design housed in a historic building near the cathedral.

Vitrine Faiche

A small gallery with rotating exhibitions of local and international artists.

Galerie Raoul Dutilleul

Gallery for modern painting and sculpture, named after the Tournai artist Raoul Dutilleul.

Beffroi de Tournai

The 72-meter-high belfry from the 12th century is part of the UNESCO Belfries of Belgium and France.

Musée du Folklore et des Imaginaires🏛 museum

Museum of folklore and imaginary worlds, with collections on local traditions and myths.

Tour du Cygne

Remains of a medieval tower, once part of the city walls of Tournai.

Église Saint-Quentin

Gothic church in Tournai, Hainaut, Belgium, with a richly decorated interior.

Tour des Rédemptoristes

Ruins of a former Redemptorist monastery, only the tower remains.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why does the cathedral have five towers?
The five towers are a striking feature of the Romanesque-Gothic transition style.
Is the cathedral a UNESCO World Heritage site?
Yes, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2000.
Are there ongoing renovation works?
Yes, extensive restorations have been underway for years to preserve the monumental building.
What can be seen in the cathedral treasury?
Visitors can admire reliquaries, precious tapestries, and liturgical vestments.
Is entry to the nave free?
Access to the cathedral is often free, but a fee is charged for the treasury.
Tournai Cathedral: where is it located?
Tournai Cathedral is located in Belgium.
Tournai Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tournai Cathedral, Trésor de la Cathédrale, Carré Janson.
Tournai Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Tournai Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Tournai is one of Belgium's most fascinating architectural monuments, distinguished by its five striking, pointed bell towers that dominate the city's skyline from afar.
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