Séminaire de Choiseul - Tournai

The former seminary of Choiseul is a remarkable example of Tournai architecture from the 17th century due to its dimensions.

It stands out for its historical and archaeological value. It is the first diocesan seminary built in Belgium at the request of the Bishop of Tournai, Gilbert de Choiseul du Plessis-Praslin. Work began in 1688 under the direction of Tournai Arnould Thiery, "ordinary architect-engineer of the king" of France. At the beginning of the 18th century, the seminary was expanded by the construction, to the right of the original building, of a series of side wings. These structures grew into the 19th century, forming a U-shaped complex around a secondary courtyard.

From an archaeological point of view, it is the largest building with which the city of Tournai was endowed during the reign of Louis XIV. It commands admiration through the harmony and robustness of its mass. In fact, this large rectangle comprises no fewer than five levels.

Inside the building, in the central vestibule, a monumental oak staircase – beautiful structural work – arouses admiration: remarkable beams, baluster railings and a carved wooden angel adorning the end.

The structure of the attic frame, still original, is also worth seeing.

Thanks to the thickness of the walls and the vaulted ceilings, the seminary of Choiseul mainly served as a refuge for the population during the siege of the city in 1745.

The chapel, built in 1737, decorated with an elegant scrolled facade, testifies to the religious architecture of the 17th century.

The seminary was put up for sale during the French Revolution and was taken over by the Hospices Civils and became an orphanage for girls . In 1818, the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary settled there to open a “Hospice for the Incurable” . They left this site in 1971 and the property remained unused until 1977 when it was classified for restoration. The work started in 1986 and ended in 1990. The buildings that became the property of the OCMW were converted into senior housing . The renovated chapel now serves as a venue for exhibitions and concerts.

Since 1996, a professional reintegration project has made it possible to create a remarkable "ordinary" garden at the rear of the building, consisting of decorative flower beds and arched arbors. The gardens are laid out in two areas , one inspired by the Renaissance, the other by monastic inspiration.

Willem Vandenameele