A historical walk through downtown Charleroi in Wallonia

On the banks of the Sambre River, the city of Charleroi rivals any other Belgian city when it comes to its architecture, religious, and cultural heritage. Located south of Brussels, its monuments are too numerous to count. Its centre district is experiencing a renaissance, capitalising on its unique identity to boost the appeal of its many buildings.

Charleroi : a town centre with a rich heritage

Any tour should start at Place Charles II, which is overlooked by the city hall. The building features Art Deco accents and decorative statues as well as a marble, bronze, brass, and wrought-iron hall. It is topped by a 70-metre bell tower that can be reached via a 250-step staircase. After making the climb, be sure to explore the immense Saint Christopher Church.

In a sign of its wealth, Saint Christopher Church is decorated with a 200 m² mosaic, and the Post Office boasts its own library. © DR

Before you start window shopping, be sure to admire the glass roof covering the Passage de la Bourse, which was built during the Belle Epoque (late 19th and early 20th century). © DR

An arty, open-air walkthrough

Go a bit farther and you’ll enter the Passage de la Bourse, a curved arcade lit by a glass-covered roof and filled with boutiques. Make a list of your must-see sites before setting out to discover the city’s museums, art galleries, and classified homes, whose facades are well worth the trip. You’ll need at least a long weekend to discover everything the city has to offer.