Getting to know Sint-Truiden
Sint-Truiden is located in the heart of Haspengouw, Belgium’s renowned fruit-producing region famous for its pears, Jonagold apples, and sweet cherries. The landscape is characterized by beautiful low rolling hills and picturesque orchards.
The city has a fascinating origin story, founded around a 7th-century abbey by Saint Trudo, a Frankish nobleman. During the Middle Ages, it was a prosperous town with international trade connections to England, Champagne, and Germany.
The city boasts nearly 250 monuments, with multiple historic churches to explore.
Top things to do in Sint-Truiden
Sint-Truiden offers several fascinating attractions for tourists:
- Explore Grote Markt: This enormous market square is one of the largest in Belgium, featuring three striking towers and lined with charming brasseries and cafes. The square has been redesigned with smooth paving, making it perfect for pedestrians and cyclists1.
- Visit Historic Churches and Religious Sites:
- Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk: Features 38 well-preserved medieval murals, a Baroque organ, and historic altars.
- Sint-Pieterskerk: A Romanesque church from 1180-1190 with unique architectural details like contrasting pale tuff and dark ironstone.
- Minderbroederskerk: A Baroque church with impressive artwork, including a Pietà from 1600 and a peaceful monastery garden.
- Climb the Abbey Tower: The historic Abbey Tower offers a unique experience with 196 steps and five platforms, providing a breathtaking panorama of Sint-Truiden and the surrounding Haspengouw countryside.
- Explore the Sint-Agnesbegijnhof: A UNESCO World Heritage Site beguinage that offers insight into medieval religious life
- Discover City Hall (Stadhuis): Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Belgian belfries, the city hall features a 13th-century tower, Baroque modifications, and beautiful 18th-century interiors. Guided tours are available through the local tourist office.