Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Belgium
Neptune Roman Tower
At the end of the 3rd century Arlon was fortified with the construction of ramparts. This castrum was 800 metres in circumference with walls that were 4 metres thick and 8 metres high with two gateways and around 20 watch towers. The Neptune tower was identical to the Jupiter tower recently discovered near to the Town Hall. The small museum consists of remains of the tower which were discovered during archaeological exca ...Mageroy Gallo-Roman Villa
Mageroy is considered as one of the major Gallo Roman sites in Belgium. The ongoing excavations have revealed a 3 hectares agriculture complex, enclosed by a perimeter wall as well as the largest basin found North of Gaul. The main building was built in the early 2nd century AD and it was in use until the end of the 3rd century.Tregnes Gallo-Roman Villa
The Gallo-Roman villa near Tregnes was in use from first to fourth centuries AD. It was surrounded by outbuildings, covering a surface area slightly over 6 hectares. This vast construction, whose ruins have been restored, has a very well preserved large bath installation, cellar and drainage system. Explanatory panels in three languages.Wéris Megalithic Field
Wéris village well known for its megaliths, including dolmens and menhirs. There is a 'Museum of Megaliths' in the centre of the village. Listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia, The North Dolmen of Wéris is part of a megalithic field stretching about 8 km long and 300 m wide. In the current state of research, this megalithic field consists of two covered walkway dolmens with associated ...Neolithic Flint Mines of Spiennes
The Neolithic flint mines of Spiennes are among the largest and earliest Neolithic flint mines of north-western Europe, located close to Walloon village of Spiennes. The mines were active during the mid and late Neolithic (4300–2200 BC). The mines occupy two chalk plateaux located to the south-east of the city of Mons. They cover an area essentially devoted to agriculture. The site appears on the surface as a large ...Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings
Historic Site of the week
Late Baroque Town of Ragusa
The eight towns in south-eastern Sicily, including Ragusa, were all rebuilt after 1693 on or beside towns existing at the time of the earthquake which took place in that year. They represent a considerable collective undertaking, successfully carried out at a high level of architectural and artistic achievement. Keeping within the late Baroque style of the day, they also depict distinctive innovations in town planning and urban building. Together with seven other cities in the Val di Noto, it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 1693 Ragusa was devastated by a huge earthquake, which killed some 5,000 inhabitants. Following this catastrophe the city was largely rebuilt, and many Baroque buildings from this time remain in the city. Most of the population moved to a new settlement in the former district of Patro, calling this new municipality 'Ragusa Superiore' (Upper Ragusa) and the ancient city 'Ragusa Inferiore' (Lower Ragusa). The two cities remained separated until 1926, when they were fused together to become a provincial capital in 1927.