The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx (Hainaut)
Date of Inscription: 1998
Selection Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; (iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history; (vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, located in the cities of La Louvière and Le Roeulx in the Hainaut province of Belgium, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site includes four hydraulic boat lifts, which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to overcome a 66-meter difference in elevation along the Canal du Centre.
Prominent Features:
Family-Friendly Activity: Visitors can take a boat ride on the canal and experience the operation of the boat lifts first-hand. There are also several cycling and hiking trails that run along the canal, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The site also features a museum that showcases the history of the canal and the hydraulic boat lifts.
Fun Fact: The Ascenseur funiculaire de Strépy-Thieu is the tallest boat lift in the world, with a height of 117 meters.
Entry Fees:
How to Reach It:
By Car: The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs are located approximately 50 kilometers south of Brussels. From Brussels, take the E19 motorway towards Mons-Charleroi and exit at La Louvière. From there, follow the signs to the boat lifts.
By Train: There are several train stations located near the Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, including the La Louvière-Sud and La Louvière-Centre stations. From there, visitors can take a bus or taxi to the site.
Where to Stay: The cities of La Louvière and Le Roeulx offer a variety of accommodation options, including hotels and bed and breakfasts. Visitors can also choose to stay in the nearby cities of Brussels or Charleroi, which offer a wider range of options.
Selection Criteria: (i) to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius; (iv) to be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a) significant stage(s) in human history; (vi) to be directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance.
Overview: The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, located in the cities of La Louvière and Le Roeulx in the Hainaut province of Belgium, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site includes four hydraulic boat lifts, which were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to overcome a 66-meter difference in elevation along the Canal du Centre.
Prominent Features:
- The Four Lifts: The four hydraulic boat lifts, namely the Ascenseur funiculaire de Strépy-Thieu, the Ascenseur hydraulique de Strépy-Bracquegnies, the Ascenseur hydraulique de Houdeng-Goegnies, and the Ascenseur hydraulique de La Louvière, are the most prominent features of this site. They were built between 1888 and 1917 and are still functional today, making them an outstanding example of hydraulic engineering from the industrial revolution era.
- The Canal du Centre: The Canal du Centre is a 20-kilometer-long canal that connects the cities of Brussels and Charleroi. It was constructed in the early 19th century and played a crucial role in the economic development of the region, particularly in the transportation of coal and other goods.
- The Surrounding Landscape: The landscape surrounding the Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre is characterized by numerous slag heaps, mines, and industrial structures, which testify to the region's industrial heritage.
Family-Friendly Activity: Visitors can take a boat ride on the canal and experience the operation of the boat lifts first-hand. There are also several cycling and hiking trails that run along the canal, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The site also features a museum that showcases the history of the canal and the hydraulic boat lifts.
Fun Fact: The Ascenseur funiculaire de Strépy-Thieu is the tallest boat lift in the world, with a height of 117 meters.
Entry Fees:
- The Ascenseur funiculaire de Strépy-Thieu: The entrance fee for the Strépy-Thieu boat lift is €8 for adults, €7 for seniors, €6 for students and disabled visitors, and €4 for children aged 6-12 years. Children under 6 years old can enter for free. There are also discounts for families, groups, and schools.
- The Historic Canal du Centre: Visitors can walk or cycle along the towpath of the canal and explore the historic locks and buildings free of charge.
- Boat Tours: Visitors can take boat tours of the canal and its environs, which offer a unique perspective on the canal and its engineering feats. The prices vary depending on the operator and the length of the tour, but typically start from €7 for a short tour and can go up to €15 or more for longer tours.
- Guided Tours: Visitors can also take guided tours of the canal and its environs, which offer a deeper insight into the history and engineering of the lifts. The prices for guided tours also vary depending on the operator and the length of the tour, but typically start from €10-€12 for adults.
How to Reach It:
By Car: The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs are located approximately 50 kilometers south of Brussels. From Brussels, take the E19 motorway towards Mons-Charleroi and exit at La Louvière. From there, follow the signs to the boat lifts.
By Train: There are several train stations located near the Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, including the La Louvière-Sud and La Louvière-Centre stations. From there, visitors can take a bus or taxi to the site.
Where to Stay: The cities of La Louvière and Le Roeulx offer a variety of accommodation options, including hotels and bed and breakfasts. Visitors can also choose to stay in the nearby cities of Brussels or Charleroi, which offer a wider range of options.