The convenient location of Charleroi has provided this place with the role of the largest transportation hub of European importance. The world-famous airport located here is called Brussels-Charleroi Canal and it connects the city with largest waterways. The role of Charleroi as an important railway junction is also hard to overestimate.
The city’s station, which is located in downtown, is one of the main attractions of Charleroi. It also hosted and Exchange Passage, which became once the country's first shopping arcade. The neoclassical St. Anthony Church is also located in the downtown. You will also enjoy your walk on the picturesque pedestrian Rue de la Montagne. Built in 1936, Hotel de Ville City Hall is topped by the bell tower (74m), and its 47 carillon bells perform a popular melody every 15 minutes. Despite its “young” age this bell tower is included into World Heritage property list by UNESCO.
The guests of the city are also recommended to explore its surroundings. Monceau-sur-Sambre Castle built in XVII century will be particularly interesting to visitors. However, you can only explore the outside decoration of the castle as entering it is prohibited.
The real architectural masterpiece is the Church of St. Christopher located in the city center is being a fine example of the baroque style. The church was built in 1722, since its opening, it has preserved a lot of unique interior elements. Today, you can see here incredibly beautiful old furniture and admire unique mosaic made of stained glass fragments.
Fans of modern art should certainly visit the museum with the unusual name BPS22. This art museum occupies a very fascinating building and is distinguished by its spectacular design. The unique building was built in the contemporary style. Nowadays, the museum houses the masterpieces of famous artists. The collection of graphic designers works presented here is of great interest too. In the museum, themed events dedicated to different spheres of modern art are often held.
In the city surroundings, history fans can visit the old Cartier Castle. Despite its complex construction, it is one of the most beautiful castles in the region. It was built in 1635 and remained almost unchangeable by the beginning of the 20th century. In 1932, the region saw a large fire that destroyed the historical building almost completely. The old castle was restored in 2001. Now, there is a library in this fascinating old house.
One of the most picturesque places in Charleroi is Albert I Square that serves as a relative border between the Upper and Lower Towns. Around the square, there are beautiful historic buildings built in different periods. In summer, the square is always decorated with spectacular landscape attractions. Here start popular shopping streets. In the vicinity of the square, there are a lot of famous national restaurants.
Those travelers who visit Charleroi in summer should certainly take an excursion around the little town of Durbuy. It is famous for its Topuer Park founded in 1997. In the warm summer, the park is decorated with unique garden sculptures. The initiator of setting up the park was one of the natives who are not indifferent to landscape art. He installed the first sculptures in the park on his own.
