Tongeren

Tongeren is a city in the Belgian province of Limburg, in the southeastern part of the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the oldest town in Belgium.

During Roman times, the area was called Atuatuca Tungrorum and was an important place for governing. The city was home to a group of people called the Tungri.

Today, Tongeren lets visitors see old Roman ruins and learn about life from long ago. On January 1, 2025, Tongeren joined with another nearby area to form a new municipality called Tongeren-Borgloon. The city's history still draws people who love learning about Roman times and old European towns.

History

Atuatuca Tungrorum

The Romans called Tongeren Aduatuca Tungrorum. It was an important town in a Roman area called Civitas Tungrorum. This area included parts of modern Belgian Limburg and nearby lands. Before the Romans, tribes called the Germani cisrhenani, such as the Eburones, lived there.

When Julius Caesar was alive, the Belgae tribes, led by the Eburones, fought the Romans. Later, the Tungri became the main group, and the town was named after them. Tongeren grew as a busy Roman town on a major road between Cologne and Bavay. It had Roman buildings and farms. A big fire hurt the city in 70 AD during a revolt. By the second century, Tongeren had walls to protect it, and some of these walls are still standing today.

Middle Ages

In the fourth century, Tongeren became an important place for Christianity because of Saint Servatius, the first bishop of Tongeren. Later, the bishop’s seat moved to nearby Maastricht, and then to Liège. The city faced hard times from attacks and changes in rulers. During the Carolingian time, new churches and religious buildings were built. The current basilica started building in the thirteenth century in a Gothic style. The city also grew with new churches, cloisters, and places for trade. It became one of the “good cities” of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège.

From seventeenth century until contemporary age

In 1677, French troops burned much of Tongeren, and it took many years to rebuild. After 1830, Tongeren became part of Belgium. During World War I, German troops took over the city, which caused some damage. It was later freed by Belgian forces. In World War II, the city was bombed but was later freed by Allied troops. In 1977, several nearby towns joined with Tongeren. Today, Tongeren is the judicial capital of Belgian Limburg.

Main sights

Tongeren has many interesting places to see. The Béguinage, started in 1257, is a special area for people who lived together for peace and quiet, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Basilica of Our Lady is a big church built in the 13th century with beautiful old items inside.

Other sights include the Gallo-Roman Museum with old treasures, parts of the original Roman wall still standing, and a statue of Ambiorix from 1866. You can also visit the Pliniuspark with a natural spring and see modern art like Púmpkëskal.

Events

Tongeren holds special celebrations called the Kroningsfeesten or “Coronation Celebrations” every seven years. These events remember when a special statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary was crowned long ago in 1890.

The celebrations include a big religious parade, one of the largest in Belgium. The most recent one happened in July 2016.

The city also hosts a popular antiques fair every Sunday. It is the biggest fair of its kind in the Benelux countries.

Sports

Tongeren has a strong women's volleyball club called Datovoc Tongeren. The club plays at the top level in Belgium. The city's most famous football club is K.S.K. Tongeren.

Famous inhabitants

Ancient times

Tongeren had important people in ancient times. Ambiorix was a leader who fought against Roman invaders. We are not sure where he lived. Saint Servatius brought Christianity to the Netherlands from Tongeren. Other famous people were Saint Helier, a holy hermit, and Radulph of Rivo, a historian.

Modern times

In recent times, Tongeren has been home to many well-known people. Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau was a French politician. Valentinus Paquay was a loved priest. Philippe Boesmans became a famous composer. Robert Cailliau helped create the World Wide Web. The city has also had sports stars like football players Gaëtan Coucke and Cyriel Dessers, as well as cyclists and politicians.