Tournai

Lore & Background

Tournai, known as Tornacum, was a minor Roman stopping place where the road from Cologne to Boulogne crossed the Scheldt. It was fortified under Emperor Maximian in the 3rd century AD. The Salian Franks took possession in 432, and under King Childeric I, whose tomb was discovered there in 1653, Tournai became the capital of the Frankish Empire. In 486, Clovis moved the center of power to Paris. A native son, Eleutherius, became bishop of the newly created bishopric of Tournai. In 862, Charles the Bald made Tournai the seat of the County of Flanders.

Reader's Guide

Tournai's significance lies in its role as the first capital of the Frankish Empire and as a cultural and economic center of the County of Flanders. Its mixed Romanesque- and Gothic-style Cathedral of Our Lady and the Belfry, considered the oldest in Belgium, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city was a major producer of woollen cloth and tapestry, and was home to Flemish Primitives such as Robert Campin, Rogier van der Weyden, and Jacques Daret. Tournai was briefly ruled by England under Henry VIII in 1513, the only Belgian city to have been under English rule. It suffered religious strife during the 16th century, was besieged multiple times, and was badly damaged in 1940 during World War II, but has since been carefully restored. The annual Great Procession has taken place since 1092.

Did You Know?

• Tournai was the first capital of the Frankish Empire, and Clovis I was born there.
• The city was captured by Henry VIII of England in 1513, making it the only Belgian city ever ruled by England.
• The Belfry of Tournai is considered the oldest in Belgium.
• The Great Procession has taken place every year since 1092, except in 1566.