Unesco concerned about infrastructure works near cathedral and belfry in Tournai

The Walloon city of Tournai has received a warning from Unesco concerning infrastructure works close to its cathedral and belfry. Unesco sent out the warning during a meeting in New Delhi, India, reported Flemish public broadcaster VRT.

Both the Cathedral of Our Lady and the belfry in Tournai are Unesco World Heritage Sites. Experts from Unesco's World Heritage Committee are concerned about recent and planned infrastructure works nearby.

Recently, the Pont des Trous over the River Scheldt was demolished and replaced by a new one. Close to Tournai’s cathedral, on the Carré Janson, a visitor centre with a panoramic roof terrace is under construction. And a three-storey building will be added to the Museum of Fine Arts, designed by the famous Belgian architect Victor Horta.

Unesco is not amused. The bridge was replaced without informing Unesco and “has a negative impact on the historical unity” of Tournai. The Carré Janson project will affect the “exceptional universal value” of the cathedral and belfry. Unesco is even calling for that project to be halted and re-evaluated. Unesco is also asking for a review of the planned expansion of the museum. ​

Unesco's World Heritage Committee is meeting in India until 31 July. In the coming days, new buildings or landscapes will be added to the World Heritage List there. Possibly also the remains of an early Christian monastery in the Gaza Strip.

^{The belfry of Tournai © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR}