Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons)
Date of Inscription: 2000
Selection Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; (iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.
Overview: The Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes are located near the city of Mons in Belgium and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a complex of underground mines that were used by Neolithic communities for the extraction of flint between 4,500 and 2,000 BCE.
Prominent Features: The mines themselves are the most prominent feature of the site, and they are remarkable for their size and complexity. The mining complex covers an area of around 100 hectares and includes more than 100 shafts that are up to 16 meters deep. The flint extracted from the mines was used to make a variety of tools and weapons, and it was traded across Europe.
Historical Importance: The Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes are considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe from the Neolithic period. The site provides important insights into the technological and social innovations of early human communities, as well as their trade networks and resource management practices.
Family-Friendly Activity: The site offers guided tours that are suitable for families with children. The tours provide an opportunity to explore the underground mines and learn about the history of the site and the techniques used by Neolithic miners. There is also a visitor center on-site that provides additional information about the history and archaeology of the site.
Fun Fact: The flint extracted from the mines at Spiennes was used to make some of the most important archaeological finds of the Neolithic period, including the flint axe discovered at the site of the famous Stonehenge monument in England.
Entry Fees:
How to Reach It: By Car: The Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes are located about 60 kilometers southwest of Brussels. The site is easily accessible by car via the E19 and E42 highways.
By Public Transport: The site is also accessible by public transport from Brussels. Visitors can take a train from Brussels to Mons and then take a bus or taxi to the site. The journey takes about an hour and a half.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses in the city of Mons, which is a short distance from the Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes. Visitors can also choose to stay in nearby towns such as La Louvière or Charleroi, which offer a range of accommodation options.
Selection Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; (iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared; (iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in human history.
Overview: The Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes are located near the city of Mons in Belgium and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site consists of a complex of underground mines that were used by Neolithic communities for the extraction of flint between 4,500 and 2,000 BCE.
Prominent Features: The mines themselves are the most prominent feature of the site, and they are remarkable for their size and complexity. The mining complex covers an area of around 100 hectares and includes more than 100 shafts that are up to 16 meters deep. The flint extracted from the mines was used to make a variety of tools and weapons, and it was traded across Europe.
Historical Importance: The Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes are considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe from the Neolithic period. The site provides important insights into the technological and social innovations of early human communities, as well as their trade networks and resource management practices.
Family-Friendly Activity: The site offers guided tours that are suitable for families with children. The tours provide an opportunity to explore the underground mines and learn about the history of the site and the techniques used by Neolithic miners. There is also a visitor center on-site that provides additional information about the history and archaeology of the site.
Fun Fact: The flint extracted from the mines at Spiennes was used to make some of the most important archaeological finds of the Neolithic period, including the flint axe discovered at the site of the famous Stonehenge monument in England.
Entry Fees:
- Adults: 6 EUR
- Seniors (65+): 4 EUR
- Children and students: 3 EUR
- Families (2 adults and up to 4 children): 15 EUR
How to Reach It: By Car: The Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes are located about 60 kilometers southwest of Brussels. The site is easily accessible by car via the E19 and E42 highways.
By Public Transport: The site is also accessible by public transport from Brussels. Visitors can take a train from Brussels to Mons and then take a bus or taxi to the site. The journey takes about an hour and a half.
Where to Stay: There are several hotels and guesthouses in the city of Mons, which is a short distance from the Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes. Visitors can also choose to stay in nearby towns such as La Louvière or Charleroi, which offer a range of accommodation options.