Last Updated on twenty first March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
You could be forgiven for by no means having heard of Tienen earlier than. After all, it’s a tiny city of slightly below 35000 residents which isn’t almost as well-liked as different Belgian locations equivalent to Brussels, Bruges, and even Ghent. However, if you end up within the coronary heart of sugar manufacturing nation, then right here’s your information to the greatest issues to do in Tienen.
Introducing Tienen
Please notice that Tienen is within the Flemish talking a part of Belgium which is named Flanders. With this being stated, it’s simply 5km away from Wallonia, which is the French talking a part of the nation. In French, Tienen is named Tirlemont.
Unfortunately, Tienen has a little bit of a popularity for not being essentially the most aesthetically pleasing a part of Belgium. Luckily, it’s considerably redeemed by its spectacular duo of Gothic church buildings and distinctive historical past because the centre of sugar manufacturing in Belgium.
The historical past of Tienen dates all the way in which again to the Middle ages, when it was possible dominated over by the German household, the Thienen household, therefore its title. Today, the most important business on the town is sugar refinery.
On the jap fringes of city, there’s a big sugar beet processing manufacturing facility, which is named the Sugar refinery of Tienen (Tiense Suikerraffinaderij in Flemish – Raffinerie Tirlemontoise in French).
If you might be planning to spend a while having fun with Belgium, remember to take a look at our guides on the best-kept secrets and techniques of Belgium and our good lengthy weekend in Belgium itinerary.
Things to do in Tienen
Wander across the historic district
You’ll solely want an hour or two to wander across the historic centre because it contains of a smattering of cobbled streets, sometimes Belgian cafés, and conflict memorials. There was once a sugar museum, detailing the manufacturing of the candy stuff within the space, although this has now completely closed down.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Poel
The primary church on the town dominates the most important sq. in Tienen (Grote Markt), which can also be the place the city corridor is situated. Considered to be one of many best examples of Brabant High Gothic, the choir dates again to the center of the 14th-century.
The transept and the tower date again to the Fifteenth-century. Unfortunately, there was an ideal fireplace within the Seventeenth-century, of which the ensuing renovations led to the set up of a baroque spire.
Though the ecclesiastical constructing started life as a pilgrimage chapel, it has been the principle parish church of Tienen because the starting on the Nineteenth-century. Unfortunately the church appears to function at random opening hours, although it’s free to enter in case you do get the possibility to enter.
Sint-Germanus Church
Yet one other ecclesiastical constructing value trying out in Tienen is the church devoted to Sint-Germanus. This church was constructed within the Twelfth-century and boasts an altarpiece by the Nineteenth-century painter Gustaaf Wappers.
Its belfry is of such significance and wonder that it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing of Belfries of Belgium and France. the church is free to go to, thought its opening hours stay considerably erratic. Nevertheless, do go in in case you get the possibility.
Het Toreke museum
If you wish to study extra concerning the historical past of Tienen and its environment, then you’ll be able to take a look at the Het Toreke museum, which is barely open on Fridays and Saturdays between 10 AM and 5 PM. Exhibitions are predominantly centered on three themes: work, prayer and celebration.
City Hall
Situated proper subsequent to the principle church of the city, the town corridor was in-built 1836and its Corinthian columns are constructed within the neo-classical type. Unfortunately, there’s no consensus of when the primary city corridor was constructed as a lot of Tienen was burnt down in 1635.
Collage of Tienen
Truth be informed, among the finest locations to go to in Tienen is the Collage, that are among the most fascinating ruins in Belgium and may be discovered on the fringes of city.
Also referred to as the ruins of Paterskerk (St Peter’s), the location is free to go to and there’s parking close by on the road. It could nicely shock you, however this church truly solely burnt down in 1976, although, in fact, the crumbling ruins look a lot, a lot older than this!
Getting to Tienen
Tienen is served by its personal practice station, which is situated on the railway line between Brussels and Liège. The city is roughly midway between the 2 cities, with a forty minute practice experience to get to both one.
Tienen is situated only a ten minute practice experience away from Leuven, a pleasant college metropolis that could be a little off the crushed path however is a must-visit for many who love attractive structure, off the crushed path places, and exquisite inexperienced areas. After all, Leuven is house to the oldest botanical backyard within the Netherlands.
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Sophie Nadeau loves canines, books, journey, pizza, and historical past. A fan of all issues France associated, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the following sundown shot or consuming one thing candy. She presently splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.