A visit to Tongeren

Explore a picturesque part of Belgium and cycle through Tongeren and the small villages that surround this beautiful city. Tongeren started out as a Gallo-Roman settlement in 15 BC. In the following centuries, the city began to play an increasingly important role in the history of the Low Countries. Tongeren obtained market rights in the second century and a seat of the first bishopric in the third century. From the second half of the previous century, Tongeren was developed as a trading centre and tourist attraction. The rich history of the city is still clearly visible. The old Roman city walls have remained standing, but if you know where to look, you can also find other Roman remains. Remains of a temple complex, an old Roman aqueduct and a gigantic, beech-covered burial mound (the Beukenberg) are all beautiful glimpses into the past. During your bike ride you will come to the Waterradmolen, also called Ruttermolen. The Ruttermolen was built around 1360. It is an undershot watermill that served to grind corn. The current mill complex was rebuilt in the nineteenth century. The mill and its surroundings have been officially protected as a monument and village view since 1984. The mill is currently in use.