Our Lady of Flanders’ Cathedral of Tournai is one of the most important architectural monuments in Belgium. It has been classified both as a Wallonia’s major heritage and as a World Heritage Site. There was a diocese centered at Tournai from an early date, and this structure of local blue-gray stone occupies rising ground near the south bank of the Scheldt, which divides the city of Tournai into two roughly equal parts. Begun in the 12th century on even older foundations, the building combines the work of three design periods with striking effect, the heavy and severe character of the Romanesque nave contrasting remarkably with the Transitional work of the transept and the fully developed Gothic of the choir. The transept is the most distinctive part of the building, with its cluster of five bell towers and apsidal (semicircular) ends. Belgium travel attractions.
GPS travel destinations: 50° 36′ 23.76″ N, 3° 23′ 19.68″ E
europe travel…
It really is going to be a long 2008, isn’t it?…
work and travel australia…
I think you hit the nail on the proverbial head with this one….
I find the architecture in Europe absolutely wonderful, and the way they add the Romanesque with the Gothic (or vice versa) makes such fascinating churches and Cathedrals. Almost made it to Belgium on a day trip and am so sorry now we didn’t get there whilst in Holland two years ago. Next time!