Mons

Mons is a city in the Walloon Region of Belgium, set on a small hill between the Trouille and Haine rivers and linked to the surrounding lowlands by two canals. The center's streets rise gently toward the highest point, where cobblestones and low houses create a sense of closeness and neighborhood.

Roman troops built a camp called Castrilocus here in the 3rd century, which was later abandoned and revived as a village around an abbey founded by Saint Waudru in the 7th century. During the Middle Ages, the settlement gained city rights and grew into a trade center in the County of Hainaut.

Residents often refer to their city by the nickname "Borinage", a term that connects to the surrounding coalfield and recalls the industrial heritage of the region. Each summer, people gather for the Ducasse, a traditional festival in which a golden dragon head called Doudou is paraded through the streets.

Trains and buses connect the city to other municipalities in Hainaut province, offering regular trips to major destinations in the surrounding area. Many central streets are walkable, though some sections have steep inclines that should be considered when planning your route.

The NATO headquarters for Europe was relocated to the Casteau plateau nearby in 1967, bringing international staff to the area. The presence of the military base has led to the emergence of English-language schools and multilingual shops in the surrounding villages.

Location: Arrondissement of Mons

Inception: January 1, 1977

Capital city: Mons

Elevation above the sea: 60 m

Operator: Ville de Mons

Part of: Emergency zone Hainaut Center, police zone Mons-Quévy

Shares border with: Jurbise, Estinnes, Binche, La Louvière, Le Rœulx, Soignies, Saint-Ghislain, Quaregnon, Frameries, Quévy

Address: Mons, Belgium

Phone: +3265405111

Website: https://mons.be

GPS coordinates: 50.45472,3.95250

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:01