Singe du Grand'Garde, statue of a monkey on the city hall of Mons, Belgium
The Singe du Grand'Garde is a small bronze sculpture mounted on the facade of Mons' town hall. The figure depicts a seated monkey with simple, expressive features that invite closer observation from visitors.
The monkey is first mentioned in writing in 1843, but its creation date is unknown; analyses by the University of Mons suggest it may date back to the 15th century. It stands on the Grand-Place, on the town hall facade.
The monkey is a familiar part of daily life on the Grand-Place, noticed by both residents and visitors. The tradition of stroking its head with the left hand is deeply rooted in local culture and connects people across generations through a simple gesture.
The sculpture is located on the Grand-Place in central Mons and is easy to find when visiting the town hall. Touching the monkey's head with your left hand follows local tradition, and many visitors take time to do this or photograph it.
The bronze monkey is fixed to a rough grey stone wall, its head worn smooth by the left hands of passers-by. The earliest mention of the sculpture dates from 1843, but analyses by the University of Mons suggest it may go back to the 15th century. Its creation date remains unknown.
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