📖 About Tongeren

Tongeren is Belgium's oldest city, founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC as Atuatuca Tungrorum. With approximately 32,000 residents, this historic Flemish city in Limburg province preserves extensive Roman ruins and medieval heritage. A statue of Ambiorix, leader of the Eburones who resisted Julius Caesar, stands in the main square.

The city is famous for its Sunday antique market, one of Europe's largest. The Basilica of Our Lady contains the city's prized religious treasures. Tongeren represents ancient Belgium—Roman heritage, medieval church, and Flemish tradition in the Low Countries.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Tourism drives the local economy—visitors come for Roman heritage and the famous antique market. Retail and services serve the region. Some light industry exists. Government services employ residents. The economy benefits from cultural tourism and antique trade.

Flemish culture with strong local identity—Dutch is spoken. Catholicism is historically important though secularization has occurred. The antique market creates a unique Sunday culture. Food features Belgian and Limburg specialties. The culture values history, tradition, and the pride of Belgium's oldest city.

📜 History

The Tungri tribe gave the Roman city its name. Ambiorix's revolt against Caesar is legendary. The Roman city became an important center. Medieval development created the religious center with the basilica.

Spanish, Austrian, and French rule preceded Belgian independence (1830). The city preserved its Roman and medieval heritage. Today Tongeren celebrates 2,000+ years of history—Roman ruins, Gothic basilica, and Belgium's oldest continuous settlement.