Guided tours of the exhibition “Mons in the times of Waltrude”. Merovingian itineraries
Wedged between Rome and Charlemagne/the Romans and Carolingians, Merovingian history is somewhat obscure... except perhaps in Mons thanks to Saint Waltrude, the city’s legendary founder. But what do you know about it?
Following in the footsteps of Waltrude and his entourage, discover how Mons and its region developed between the late 5th and 8th centuries. What geographical and political environment did they operate in? What was their day-to-day life like? How did they dress? Where did they live? You will find all the answers to these questions within the exhibition. Through a thematic trail which compares and contrasts archaeological finds in the region and reconstructions of costumes worn during the Procession or made for the occasion, international trading will also be explored as will the foundation of monasteries and churches, where our current towns and villages began. Finally, the exhibition will analyse how Waltrude, an historical figure, became a saint and legendary founder of a city that still earnestly perpetuates his memory at each ritual Ducasse. From the archaeological collections of the city of Mons and loans from other institutions, the Artothèque immerses you in the city’s origins and brings Waltrude and his contemporaries back to life in the light of the latest historical and archaeological research.
Following in the footsteps of Waltrude and his entourage, discover how Mons and its region developed between the late 5th and 8th centuries. What geographical and political environment did they operate in? What was their day-to-day life like? How did they dress? Where did they live? You will find all the answers to these questions within the exhibition. Through a thematic trail which compares and contrasts archaeological finds in the region and reconstructions of costumes worn during the Procession or made for the occasion, international trading will also be explored as will the foundation of monasteries and churches, where our current towns and villages began. Finally, the exhibition will analyse how Waltrude, an historical figure, became a saint and legendary founder of a city that still earnestly perpetuates his memory at each ritual Ducasse. From the archaeological collections of the city of Mons and loans from other institutions, the Artothèque immerses you in the city’s origins and brings Waltrude and his contemporaries back to life in the light of the latest historical and archaeological research.
- Guided tour price: €55 from Tuesday to Saturday and €70 on Sundays, public holidays, and at night.
- Museum entrance fee: Adults: €6, seniors: €4, children (6 to 18 years old): €2, children (under 6 years old): free. Family price (from 3 people – max 2 adults and 5 children): €2.
- Book through our booking form Information: +32 (0) 65/33.55.80 or groupes@ville.mons.be.
Reservations are impossible on the first Sunday of the month.
These one and a half hour guided tours are available at a special price. The entrance fee to the museum or exhibition will be added to the price of the guided tour based on the traditional price list (individual, senior, student, family, etc.). They are intended exclusively for people living under the same roof, potentially accompanied by one of their close contacts. Booking is required for these tours which are conducted in compliance with health regulations.
