The Grand-Place of Mons is a central square in Mons, a city in Wallonia, Belgium. It is also known as the Main Square or, in Dutch, the Grote Markt. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.
What to see
The square is framed by opulent guildhalls and the Brussels Town Hall, whose façades give the space its character. Standing in the middle of it, you are surrounded by richly decorated buildings on every side, so the square itself is the main attraction.
Planning your visit
- Type of visit: an outdoor stroll through a historic public square, suited to looking, photographing and simply spending time in the centre of town.
- Setting: it lies in the heart of Mons, so exploring the surrounding streets is an easy addition to your time there.
- Contact: you can reach the square's office by telephone at +32 65 33 55 80.
Because the Grand-Place is an open square rather than a ticketed monument, a visit is a matter of walking up, taking in the architecture and deciding how long to linger. It works well as a focal point for a day spent discovering the city and the wider region of Wallonia.