Sightseeing in Charleroi - what to see. Complete travel guide
The convenient location of Charleroi has provided this place with the role of the largest transportation hub of European importance. The world-famous airport located here is called Brussels-Charleroi Canal and it connects the city with largest waterways. The role of Charleroi as an important railway junction is also hard to overestimate.
The city’s station, which is located in downtown, is one of the main attractions of Charleroi. It also hosted and Exchange Passage, which became once the country's first shopping arcade. The neoclassical St. Anthony Church is also located in the downtown. You will also enjoy your walk on the picturesque pedestrian Rue de la Montagne. Built in 1936, Hotel de Ville City Hall is topped by the bell tower (74m), and its 47 carillon bells perform a popular melody every 15 minutes. Despite its “young” age this bell tower is included into World Heritage property list by UNESCO.
The guests of the city are also recommended to explore its surroundings. Monceau-sur-Sambre Castle built in XVII century will be particularly interesting to visitors. However, you can only explore the outside decoration of the castle as entering it is prohibited.
The real architectural masterpiece is the Church of St. Christopher located in the city center is being a fine example of the baroque style. The church was built in 1722, since its opening, it has preserved a lot of unique interior elements. Today, you can see here incredibly beautiful old furniture and admire unique mosaic made of stained glass fragments.
Fans of modern art should certainly visit the museum with the unusual name BPS22. This art museum occupies a very fascinating building and is distinguished by its spectacular design. The unique building was built in the contemporary style. Nowadays, the museum houses the masterpieces of famous artists. The collection of graphic designers works presented here is of great interest too. In the museum, themed events dedicated to different spheres of modern art are often held.
In the city surroundings, history fans can visit the old Cartier Castle. Despite its complex construction, it is one of the most beautiful castles in the region. It was built in 1635 and remained almost unchangeable by the beginning of the 20th century. In 1932, the region saw a large fire that destroyed the historical building almost completely. The old castle was restored in 2001. Now, there is a library in this fascinating old house.
One of the most picturesque places in Charleroi is Albert I Square that serves as a relative border between the Upper and Lower Towns. Around the square, there are beautiful historic buildings built in different periods. In summer, the square is always decorated with spectacular landscape attractions. Here start popular shopping streets. In the vicinity of the square, there are a lot of famous national restaurants.
Those travelers who visit Charleroi in summer should certainly take an excursion around the little town of Durbuy. It is famous for its Topuer Park founded in 1997. In the warm summer, the park is decorated with unique garden sculptures. The initiator of setting up the park was one of the natives who are not indifferent to landscape art. He installed the first sculptures in the park on his own.
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City tours, excursions and tickets in Charleroi and surroundings
Reference information
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Charleroi
♥ Castle 'Château de Seneffe' , 16.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Castle of Corroy-le-Château' , 20.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Château Rose' , 21.9 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Écaussinnes-Lalaing Castle' , 24.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Castle 'Dave Castle' , 32 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all parks
National and city parks around Charleroi
♥ Regional Nature Park 'Avesnois' , 57 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Regional Nature Park 'Ardennes' , 58.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Regional Nature Park 'Scarpe-Escaut' , 69.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Grenspark de Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide' , 109.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ National Park 'Oosterschelde' , 139.9 km from the center. On the map
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Sights around Charleroi from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'
Water Tower Conversion
From the series “The Most Bizarre and Fancy Living Houses”
Check on the map: Distance from Charleroi center - 54.7 km.
The original construction was completely restored, on the ground floor the garage was furnished. For the convenience of the residents the tower was provided with the elevator. The rooms were designed as minimalism. The modern furnishings of the old tower have nothing in common with the old traditions. The elegant colors and the strict forms weigh in the interior furnishing. The original house in the water tower is environmentally friendly and is designed with the natural materials. In addition, the house uses the alternative energy sources, which makes it even more unique. …
Read further Distance from Charleroi center - 54.7 km.
Atomium
From the series “Top 16 Most Amazing Buildings of the Planet”
Check on the map: Distance from Charleroi center - 53.6 km.
The unique building, whose design was developed by the outstanding architect Adre Waterkeyn, is today the landmark of national importance. The huge pipes that connect the spheres have not only a decorative purpose. Inside are the escalators and high-speed trains, with the help of which visitors of the 'atom' can move freely through their entire space. In 2006 the unusual building was completely renovated, after which it even looked more attractive. In the evening Atomium is illuminated by the wonderful illumination. The building is surrounded by the picturesque park with fountains and comfortable recreation areas. …
Read further Distance from Charleroi center - 53.6 km.
Mini-Europe
From the series “Famous Miniature Museums of Architectural Objects and Cities”
Check on the map: Distance from Charleroi center - 53.5 km.
The park is famous not only for its variety of realistic miniatures, but also for its amazing landscape decorations. At its registration, beautiful lawn, various dwarf trees and bushes have been used. Enjoy this beauty is best of all in summer. According to approximate estimates, the Mini Europe miniature park is visited by about 375000 people annually. The annual income of the park is about three million euros. As a rule, tourists spend at least two hours on sightseeing. The park can be visited from early March to early January. …
Read further Distance from Charleroi center - 53.5 km.
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Search touristic sites on the map of Charleroi
All about Charleroi, Belgium - sightseeings, attractions, touristic spots, architecture, history, culture and cuisine. Prepare your trip together with OrangeSmile.com - find out the 'must see' things in Charleroi, which places to visit, which excursions to take, where the breathtaking views are waiting for you. Planning your trip with this travel guide will help your to get the most out of Charleroi in few days.
