It was on March the 28th that the belgium city of Mons hosted a Postcrossing Meeting. Raquel was there and she sent me the 1st of these two card card signed by other 14 postcrossers. In August Raquel went to the city again for another meeting and sent me a 2nd card from there.
© Edit. Thill, S. A., Bruxelles
Mons, also known as the cultural capital of Wallonia and the actual capital of the Hainaut Province, is located in the southwest of Belgium, 1 hour by train from Brussels.
Together with the Czech city of Plzeň, Mons is the European Capital of Culture in 2015.
I can't identify the building on the bottom left corner but the other images are the Town Hall, the belfry, the guardhouse money, a local festivity, maybe the Lumeçon fight, where Saint George confronts the dragon and Saint-Waudru Collegiate Church.
Photo de S. Santarelli
Listed by UNESCO since 1999, Mons Belfry is a remarkable example of local architectural history. The only baroque belfry still in existence, it was built between 1661 and 1672 by Louis Ledoux (architect and sculptor) and Vincent Anthony (architect and surveyor). A symbol of the city of Mons and an important landmark, the belfry was constructed following the collapse of its predecessor, the clock tower, due to dilapidation. Primarily for reasons of civic safety, the authorities were obliged to replace it with a new tower, in the style of the era. Chiming to indicate sunrise, the opening of the gates, curfews, the start of work and rest periods, and any fires spotted by the lookout, the belfry was a key part of everyday life.
With a square footprint, 459,000 bricks make up the walls, and a spiral staircase connects the various floors. The exterior is made of Ecaussinnes blue stone.
With 365 steps, a height of 87 metres and 49 bells to discover, the belfry is scheduled to reopen in 2015. This fabulous structure will accommodate an interpretive centre dedicated to its history and its listing as a UNESCO heritage site, as well as enabling visitors to enjoy panoramic views. - in: http://www.polemuseal.mons.be/en/beffroi-mons?set_language=en
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