When you think of Belgium, like me you probably think of one place: Brussels. Known for its history, world-famous chocolate, and beautiful architecture, Brussels is
the city to visit in Belgium. While I've not yet seen Brussels, after a visit to Tongeren, I'm left wondering "Why not Tongeren? Why doesn't anyone recommend
that city? Do they even know about it?" Brussels may very well be
the city to see in Belgium, but Tongeren has plenty to offer, as well.
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| Tongeren is located near Liege. |
Tongeren was founded in 15 BC (that's 2026 years ago!) and is
the oldest town in Belgium. It's located in the northeastern part of Belgium and is close to both the German and Holland border. The Jaar River meanders along this ancient town, winding through low-lying hills and lush, green countryside.
Historical Tongeren is a gluttonous feast for the senses. Buildings dating back to Roman and Medieval times co-mingle with newer shops offering Belgium's world-famous chocolates and pastries almost too beautiful to eat.
On Sunday, the shops are closed, which is typical in Europe. But Tongeren is host to Europe's second largest Antique Market, which more than makes up for the inability to peruse the stores.
Browsing the Antique Market illicits both giggles as well as "oohs" and "aaahs". One vendor might showcase fine antique crystal and silverware while the next proudly displays a mounted boar's head or fancy 19th Century chair-style commode. No matter what your weakness or shopping pleasure is, the Antique Market is sure to have what you desire (as well as what you never imagined) in one form or another.
When your feet are tired or you want to escape the heat or cold, head over to
't Poorthuis, which is Flemish for The Gate House.
Poorthuis is a simple cafe with wooden decor showcasing old photos and glassware on the walls. A delicious array of choices are offered on the menu including pancakes, omelets, sandwiches and more. A variety of beer is available for those who are as serious about beer-drinking as the Belgians. Whichever type of beer you choose (there are
over 450 varieties of beer in Belgium), it will be served to you in the appropriate glass...not just any old beer glass. The Belgian people are serious about their beer. The man dining next to my friend and I enjoyed a full-bodied, dark brown beer and thick bacon (think Canadian bacon) sandwich at 10:30am while I enjoyed my cappuccino with whipped cream and pancakes served with brown sugar.
Walk off your meal along the Ancient Roman wall which was originally build to protect the soldiers based at a supply camp in Tongeren. If historical architecture tickles your fancy, it can be enjoyed as you walk away from the Tongeren Antique Market and head down the street toward Basilica of Our Lady Church, a gothic church built in the 1100s.
Yet again, one day is not enough to cover Tongeren. It is, however, long enough for me to know I must return to this Belgian city which creates the perfect intermingling of ancient history and current times. And, since the shops were closed on Sunday...I must to go back to taste the chocolate.
When your feet are tired or you want to escape the heat or cold, head over to 't Poorthuis, which is Flemish for The Gate House. Poorthuis is a simple cafe with wooden decor showcasing old photos and glassware on the walls. A delicious array of choices are offered on the menu including pancakes, omelets, sandwiches and more. A variety of beer is available for those who are as serious about beer-drinking as the Belgians. Whichever type of beer you choose (there are over 450 varieties of beer in Belgium), it will be served to you in the appropriate glass...not just any old beer glass. The Belgian people are serious about their beer. The man dining next to my friend and I enjoyed a full-bodied, dark brown beer and thick bacon (think Canadian bacon) sandwich at 10:30am while I enjoyed my cappuccino with whipped cream and pancakes served with brown sugar.
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