Station

This is Churchillplein. It was the hub of the flourishing 19th-century Ronse. The train was the main means of transport at that time. The station and the square were the first things that traveling salesmen, tourists and new residents saw when they came to this city. That's why most of the hotels and cafes were located here.

You've probably already noticed the sympathetic image in the middle of the fountain.

It is the monument of the "Ronsiese Zot". He pays tribute to the Bommel festivities. These are celebrated the first weekend after the Feast of the Epiphany, so just after New Year's. The people of Ronsen then put on their fool's cap and party until the climax of the event, the Crazy Monday. It is a unique event that you should definitely experience.

We turn left of the station into the Ijzerstraat, in the direction of the wrought iron bridge.

The Ghent-Blaton railway line, which was built at the end of the 19th century, cut the city into 2. Therefore, two arch bridges were built: one for pedestrians and one for vehicles. In this way, the southern part of the city remained accessible from the city centre.
The 'passerelle' is one of the few wrought iron bridges that has been so well preserved, but it is now in need of restoration.

On the other side of the station is the concrete Pessemiers Bridge. This is one of the earliest concrete structures in Belgium.
We don't cross the bridge but cross the street on the left. Keep left and take the Political Prisoners' Street.

Patrimundo