The French-speaking city of Nivelles has much to offer sightseers as a historic but forward-looking municipality. As the first Belgian city to be managed by women, it's a vibrant sisterhood that promotes the avant-garde but with reverence to its heritage. This city of contrasts shows traces of a monastical community that experienced industrial growth and was then stunted by warfare. The best way to experience the city's rich medieval architecture is with a stroll through the city square, followed by a refreshing coffee served locally with the traditional sweet, the Canestia.
The most important festivity in Walloon Brabant, the Nivelles Carnival, lasts several days, starting with the children's procession on Quadragesima Sunday. On Monday, there's the Aclots procession, while Tuesday rounds off the fete with stunning fireworks. In total, the Nivelles carnival features over 700 characters, such as Gilles, Pierrots, Harlequins and peasants. Walking on wooden clogs, these traditional characters mean to delight onlookers, ward off bad spirits or simply offer the audience some oranges.
Once guarded by knights, fortified gates and a moat, the city reveals many links to its tumultuous past. For instance, the Simone Tower (or Devil's Tower) is a vestige of the old ramparts viewable only from Rue Seutin. A stone's throw away from the Saint-Jacques district, which once welcomed the pilgrims of Compostelle, lies the Archaeological, Art and History Museum. It displays Delvaux terracotta, Dumesnil paintings, tapestries, antique furniture, musical instruments and other local historic objects.
In Nivelles, all roads lead to the Collegiate Church, the city's crown jewel. Built in Otto-Roman style, the Collegiate Church of Sainte Gertrude was consecrated in 1046 in the presence of Henry III. It boasts an unusual dual layout, with 2 choirs, 2 transepts and a gargantuan central nave with a length of 102 metres. Within the church, visitors can see the graceful 15th-century wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin, St. Gertrude's tomb, a 13th-century cloister and the 11th-century crypt, once a focal point for pilgrims.
The jaquemart, a 15th-century gilded figurine of Djan d'Nivèle that strikes the hour at the church, is one of only 3 in Wallonia. A gift from Charles the Bold, the automaton is 2 metres tall and weighs a whopping 350 kg. Right next to the tower of Jan de Nivelles is Stoop Fountain, also known as the du Perron fountain, built in 1523. It features a gilded sculpture of the patron of Nivelles, Archangel Michael, patron of Nivelles.
