Major Mining Sites of Wallonia
Date of Inscription: 2012
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design.
Overview: The Major Mining Sites of Wallonia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the French-speaking region of Wallonia in Belgium. It is a collection of four mining sites that showcase the region's important role in the industrial revolution and the development of coal mining technology.
Prominent Features: The Major Mining Sites of Wallonia is made up of four individual sites, each with its own unique features:
History: The Major Mining Sites of Wallonia are a testament to the region's important role in the industrial revolution and the development of coal mining technology. Coal mining in Wallonia dates back to the Middle Ages, but it was during the 19th and early 20th centuries that the region became a major producer of coal. The mining industry declined in the mid-20th century, but the sites have been preserved and transformed into museums and cultural attractions.
Family Friendly Activity: The Major Mining Sites of Wallonia offer a unique opportunity for families to learn about the history of coal mining and the industrial revolution. The sites offer a variety of activities for children, including interactive exhibits and guided tours.
(Not so) Fun Fact: The Bois du Cazier mine was the site of a tragic mining disaster in 1956, which claimed the lives of 262 miners from 12 different nationalities.
Entry Fees: The entry fees vary depending on the site, but typically range from €6 to €10 for adults and €3 to €5 for children. Some sites also offer discounts for students and seniors.
How to Reach It:
By Train: The Major Mining Sites of Wallonia are located throughout the region and can be reached by train from major cities in Belgium, including Brussels and Liege. Each site is located within walking distance of the train station.
By Car: The sites are also easily accessible by car, with ample parking available at each location.
Where to stay: There are several options for accommodations near the Major Mining Sites of Wallonia.
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design.
Overview: The Major Mining Sites of Wallonia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the French-speaking region of Wallonia in Belgium. It is a collection of four mining sites that showcase the region's important role in the industrial revolution and the development of coal mining technology.
Prominent Features: The Major Mining Sites of Wallonia is made up of four individual sites, each with its own unique features:
- The Grand-Hornu site: This site includes a large industrial complex that was built in the early 19th century. It includes several buildings that were used for the processing and transportation of coal, as well as a workers' village that was built to house the miners and their families.
- The Bois-du-Luc site: This site includes a collection of buildings that were used for the mining and processing of coal, as well as a workers' village that was built in the mid-19th century.
- The Bois-du-Cazier site: This site includes a former coal mine that was the site of a tragic mining disaster in 1956. Today, the site includes a museum and memorial to the miners who lost their lives in the accident.
- The Blegny-Mine site: This site includes a former coal mine that was in operation until the mid-20th century. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of the mine and learn about the history of coal mining in the region.
History: The Major Mining Sites of Wallonia are a testament to the region's important role in the industrial revolution and the development of coal mining technology. Coal mining in Wallonia dates back to the Middle Ages, but it was during the 19th and early 20th centuries that the region became a major producer of coal. The mining industry declined in the mid-20th century, but the sites have been preserved and transformed into museums and cultural attractions.
Family Friendly Activity: The Major Mining Sites of Wallonia offer a unique opportunity for families to learn about the history of coal mining and the industrial revolution. The sites offer a variety of activities for children, including interactive exhibits and guided tours.
(Not so) Fun Fact: The Bois du Cazier mine was the site of a tragic mining disaster in 1956, which claimed the lives of 262 miners from 12 different nationalities.
Entry Fees: The entry fees vary depending on the site, but typically range from €6 to €10 for adults and €3 to €5 for children. Some sites also offer discounts for students and seniors.
How to Reach It:
By Train: The Major Mining Sites of Wallonia are located throughout the region and can be reached by train from major cities in Belgium, including Brussels and Liege. Each site is located within walking distance of the train station.
By Car: The sites are also easily accessible by car, with ample parking available at each location.
Where to stay: There are several options for accommodations near the Major Mining Sites of Wallonia.
- Hotel Dream Mons - This four-star hotel is located in Mons, just a short distance from the mining site of Grand-Hornu. It offers modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant.
- Hotel Mercure Charleroi Centre - This hotel is located in Charleroi, near the Bois du Cazier mining site. It offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a bar.
- Le Grand Hotel - This three-star hotel is located in La Louvière, near the mining site of Bois du Luc. It features a restaurant, a bar, and free Wi-Fi.
- Hotel Van der Valk Charleroi Airport - This hotel is located in Gosselies, near the mining site of Bois du Cazier. It offers spacious rooms, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
- Hotel Martin's Red - This hotel is located in Tubize, near the mining site of Bois du Luc. It offers stylish rooms, an on-site restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.