![\"mons_up\"](\"https:\/\/enterface.net\/enterface15\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/mons_up.png\")
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As Cultural Capital of Wallonia since 2002, and European Capital of Culture in 2015, Mons is, more than ever, a city of art.<\/b><\/p>\n An important administrative, judicial and university city of the province of the Hainaut, of which it is the capital, Mons has consolidated its role as a major city for heritage and tourism.<\/p>\n Mons is the city with three UNESCO World Heritage masterpieces: the Belfry, the Neolithic Mines in Spiennes and the Doudou.<\/b><\/p>\n The city has a great number of quality museums and buildings listed as Walloon heritage in the historical centre, such as the imposing Saint-Waudru Collegiate church, the Gothic city hall dating back to the era of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Baroque belfry, standing 87m tall, unique of its type.<\/p>\n Numerous other buildings, including the oldest date back to the 11th century, illustrate Mons’ Civil, religious and military architecture.<\/p>\n The outskirts of the city of Mons are green and host many first rate sites, such as the Grand-Large Marina, the Neolithic Mines in Spiennes and the famous Van Gogh House.<\/b><\/p>\n A key part of Mons is, of course, the Doudou<\/b>, that goes far back to a distant past of popular and religious traditions.<\/p>\n Traditions such as the Procession of the Car d’Or<\/b>, dating back to the 14th century and the legendary “Lume\u00e7on” battle between Saint George and a dragon which takes place every year in front of tens of thousands of people on Trinity Sunday (the first Sunday after Pentecost).<\/p>\n Last but not least, Mons is also a city that is looking to the future, with\u00a0Initialis<\/b> science park which regroups some 30 companies specialised in new technologies such as biochemistry, telecommunications, civil engineering and IT.<\/p>\n Welcome to Mons, European Capital of Culture 2015.<\/b><\/p>\n\n
Heritage in the historical center of Mons<\/h2>\n
Must-see visits around Mons<\/h2>\n
Mons, between tradition and modernity<\/h2>\n
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