Charleroi in Belgium: history and modernity, interesting facts

Charleroi is one of the largest cities in Belgium, located in Wallonia. It is a city with an industrial history, cultural heritage, rich architecture and modern infrastructure. Charleroi has recently undergone a significant transformation, becoming an attractive center for tourists and new residents.

History of the city of Charleroi

Charleroi, located in Wallonia, has played a key role in the industrial and cultural life of the region for centuries. The city became an important center due to its geographical location and strategic importance. During its long history, Charleroi has experienced many important events and wars, which influenced its architectural appearance and economy. Today, the city is experiencing a new revival, actively restoring its cultural and historical sites.

Key events and dates:

• 1666 Foundation of Charleroi by order of the Spanish King Charles II. The city was conceived as a fortress for defense against French troops.
• 1678 After a series of sieges, the city came under French control by the Treaty of Nimwegen.
• 1693 During the War of the League of Augsburg, Charleroi was again besieged and occupied by the French.
• 1830 After Belgium gained independence, Charleroi became an important industrial centre of the country.
• 19th century: The city became a major manufacturing hub in Europe, thanks to its coal mines and steel industry.
• 1944 Liberation of Charleroi from German occupation during World War II.
• 21st century. Charleroi begins to actively restore its cultural and tourist infrastructure.

Charleroi has a history of transformations, from military battles and industrial growth to a gradual shift towards culture and tourism. Today, the city attracts both tourists and new residents with its museums, architecture and many other cultural sites. Charleroi continues to transform itself while maintaining a connection to its rich past.

Fun fact: During its Industrial Revolution, Charleroi produced about 80% of all glass in Europe, attracting labor from all over the world.

Charleroi on the map of Belgium

Charleroi is one of the largest cities in southern Belgium, located in the province of Hainaut, in the Walloon region. It is at the crossroads of important transport routes and is the industrial centre of Belgium. Due to its geographical location, Charleroi links the northern and southern parts of the country, and also provides quick access to neighbouring countries such as France and Germany. Known as the “coal capital”, the city occupies a strategic position on the map of Belgium, which has helped it develop as an industrial and logistics hub.

Climate features, terrain and water resources:

• Moderate continental climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Precipitation is distributed evenly throughout the year.
• Terrain: Charleroi is located on a flat terrain, making it ideal for the construction of industrial facilities and transport infrastructure.
• Sambre River is the main river that flows through the city, which has been used for centuries to transport goods and facilitate trade.
• There are several reservoirs in the vicinity of the city, which are used both for water supply and for recreation.

Charleroi is conveniently located on the map of Belgium, making it an important hub in the country’s transport and economic systems. It is a city with industrial potential, interesting natural and geographical characteristics that make it attractive to tourists and new residents. Charleroi successfully combines industrial heritage and natural wealth.

Fun fact: Charleroi is just 50 kilometres from Brussels and its convenient location makes it easy to reach by both car and train, making it a popular destination for short breaks.

Urban infrastructure

Charleroi is one of the largest cities in Wallonia, and its infrastructure combines both modern and historical elements. The city offers a well-developed public transport system, modern medical facilities, educational institutions and public spaces. Residents of Charleroi can enjoy quality services and amenities such as shops, markets and parks, making the city convenient and comfortable to live in. The infrastructure continues to develop actively, taking into account the growing needs of the population and new trends in urban development, and the local authorities are doing everything possible to improve the quality of life in the city.

Charleroi districts

Charleroi is made up of several districts, each with its own unique character and history. These districts play a key role in the life of the city, offering a variety of opportunities for living, working and playing. Each district has its own cultural and infrastructural features, making Charleroi a diverse and attractive place to live. The city’s districts vary in terms of development, socio-economic structure and availability of public services, providing choices for all categories of residents.

The main districts of Charleroi:

• City center (Ville Bass and Ville Haute). The administrative and commercial heart of Charleroi, with historic buildings, large shopping centres and offices. Many museums, shops and restaurants are concentrated here.
• Marchienne – au- Pont. A former industrial area that is currently undergoing renovation processes. It is known for its history as a steel industry.
• Monsigny (Monceau-sur-Sambre) A cozy suburb with green areas and parks. This area is also famous for its castle of Monsigny, which attracts tourists.
• Gilly – A densely populated residential area with many schools, shops and restaurants. Many families and young professionals live here.
• A residential area with good transport accessibility. It is distinguished by a large number of multi-storey buildings and residential complexes.
• Lodge (Lodelinsart) – A historic district with a rich cultural tradition, famous for its glass and decorative workshops.

Charleroi’s districts represent a diversity of cultures and lifestyles, each with its own characteristics and advantages. From the historic center to the quiet suburbs, every resident or visitor can find the perfect place for themselves. The city continues to evolve and transform, focusing on renovating older neighborhoods and creating new opportunities for their residents.

the Marchenne -aux- Ponts area was home to one of Belgium’s largest steel mills, which defined the industrial landscape of Charleroi in the 20th century.

Local authorities

The local authorities of Charleroi play a significant role in providing for all administrative, social and infrastructural needs of the city. Charleroi is governed by a mayor and a city council, which is responsible for regulating public issues, including transport, education and the development of urban projects. The authorities also actively support programs to improve the quality of life of citizens and the development of the local economy. Their main task is to ensure the efficient functioning of the city and support its strategic development, taking into account the needs of residents and businesses.

The main functions of local authorities:

• City Council. Makes decisions on issues of city planning, budget and regulation of various services.
• The mayor of the city. Responsible for enforcing city laws and maintaining order, including security and emergency services.
• Department of Transport. Oversees the operation of public transport and road infrastructure, improving connections between city districts.
• Department of Health. Deals with public health issues, including medical institutions and social programs.
• Education Department: Oversees the operation of local schools and educational programs, as well as their funding.
• Official website. http://www.charleroi.be.
• City administration phone number: +32 71 86 21 11

The local authorities of Charleroi are focused on improving the quality of life in the city, paying attention to both infrastructure and social issues. They strive to make the city safe, comfortable and modern for all categories of citizens. Their efforts are aimed at long-term development and ensuring the sustainability of the city, taking into account the challenges and opportunities that Charleroi faces in the modern world.

Interesting fact: Charleroi is governed by a coalition of several political parties, which helps to find compromises and effective solutions for urban development.

Transport infrastructure

Charleroi’s public transport system is one of the most developed in the Walloon region. The city offers a variety of convenient and accessible modes of transport, including trams, buses and rail routes, allowing residents and tourists to move around the city and beyond with ease. In recent years, the authorities have been actively developing the infrastructure, introducing more modern and environmentally friendly solutions to make the transport system as efficient as possible. In addition, the city is connected to international and regional transport networks, making it an important hub in southern Belgium.

Main types of public transport:

• Trams: The tram network covers most areas of Charleroi, providing convenient connections between key points.
• Buses: Bus lines connect Charleroi with nearby towns and villages, offering both regular and express routes.
• Sud railway station is a major transport hub offering regular services throughout Belgium and to neighbouring countries.
• The city’s transport network offers a single travel card for all types of public transport. A single ticket costs around €2.50, monthly passes start at €50.
• Bicycle parking. The city is actively developing bicycle infrastructure, creating special parking zones and rental stations.

Charleroi’s transport system continues to evolve, offering comfortable and accessible solutions for all residents and visitors to the city. The city authorities pay special attention to the integration of new technologies and environmentally friendly solutions, striving to make transport more convenient and sustainable. Thanks to this approach, Charleroi remains not only an important transport hub, but also an attractive place to live and work.

Fun fact: Charleroi has one of the largest underground tram networks in Belgium, known as the “ghost metro” as many stations were never completed.

Educational institutions in Charleroi

Charleroi’s educational institutions play a key role in the Walloon educational system, offering a wide range of programs and levels of education for all ages. Charleroi is known for its diverse educational institutions, from primary schools to higher education institutions. The city offers both public and private schools, as well as specialized institutions for vocational training and higher education. The local authorities pay attention to the development of the educational system, providing modern equipment and quality educational programs for students.

Main types of educational institutions:

• Primary and secondary schools: These institutions are located in each district of Charleroi and offer general education programs for children from 6 to 18 years old.
• Higher Education Institutions: Charleroi is home to colleges and universities that offer a variety of higher education programs, including engineering, business, and medical disciplines.
• Vocational schools: These institutions prepare students for various professions, providing both theoretical and practical training.
• Private schools: Private schools offer a variety of international and specialized programs focused on advanced language or arts studies.

Charleroi’s educational institutions offer a wide range of programs and programs, making the city an attractive place to study at all levels. Every year, the number of students choosing this city for their education increases. The flexibility of the curricula and attention to modern needs help the local educational system meet the standards of the 21st century.

Winne, who later became the first Belgian on the International Space Station, studied at one of the colleges in Charleroi.

Airport, train stations and bus stations of Charleroi

Charleroi has a well-developed transport infrastructure and offers several key hubs, providing convenient connections both within the city and with other parts of Belgium and Europe. The main objects of the transport network are the airport, railway stations and bus stations. These hubs provide comfortable travel for passengers and make Charleroi an important logistics centre in the region. All the main objects can be reached by private transport or by public transport.

The main transport hubs of Charleroi:

• Brussels South Charleroi International Airport Airport). Located 7 km north of the center of Charleroi. You can get there by bus #68, transfer from the central station of Charleroi, taxi. Specializes in low-cost air transportation and serves more than 8 million passengers annually.
• Charleroi -Sud railway station. Charleroi-Sud station is the city’s main railway station and is a major transport hub connecting Charleroi with other cities such as Brussels, Namur, Liège and Paris. Address: Square des Martyrs du 18 Août 1866, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium. How to get there by bus: routes #1, #12, #86. Buses go from different parts of the city to the station. By tram: lines M1, M2, M3, M4 go through the central station and provide convenient connections. You can get there by taxi from any part of the city.
• Charleroi Bus Station (Gare des Bus de Charleroi). The bus station is located next to the train station and serves both the city and the Wallonia region. It connects Charleroi with other cities in Belgium and neighboring regions, making travel convenient and affordable. How to get there by bus: routes #25, #41, #43, #71 go directly to the bus station. By tram: lines M1 and M3 go to the bus station via the main points of the city.

Charleroi’s transport hubs play an important role in ensuring the mobility of both locals and tourists. Good transport accessibility and developed infrastructure make Charleroi a convenient city for travel throughout Belgium and beyond. The city continues to improve its transport network, introducing modern technologies and convenient services for passengers.

Fun fact: Brussels South Charleroi Airport was the sixth busiest airport in the world for low-cost airlines in 2019, confirming its popularity among travellers.

Attractions in Charleroi

Although not widely known among tourists, Charleroi boasts a number of interesting sites and architectural monuments. The city is rich in history and culture, and its attractions reflect this diversity. There is something for everyone, from museums to unique industrial sites that have made the city famous as one of Belgium’s important industrial centers.

List of attractions in Charleroi:

• Museum of Photography (Musee de la Photographie). One of the largest photography museums in Europe. It features works by both renowned masters and emerging photographers. The museum displays a rich collection of works from vintage photography to contemporary digital images. Avenue Paul Pastur 11, 6032 Charleroi
• Brisk Tower (Beffroi de Charleroi). The tower is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The observation deck offers an impressive view of the city. It is a symbol of municipal authority and an architectural masterpiece of neoclassicism. Place Charles II, 6000 Charleroi
• Parklands on the banks of the Sambre. Charleroi is proud of its green areas along the Sambre River, which offer tranquility and fresh air. Great walking paths and parklands make this a great place to walk and relax. Located along the Sambre River.
• Museum glass (Musée du Verre). A unique museum dedicated to the history of glassmaking in the Walloon region. Its collection includes exhibits from different eras, from antiquity to contemporary glass art. Rue du Moustier, 6000 Charleroi.
• Industrial ruins of Charleroi. The city is famous for its industrial sites, which have become a symbol of the industrialization of Belgium. These abandoned factories and plants attract fans of industrial tourism.

Charleroi’s attractions are a fascinating combination of history, art and industrial heritage. The city never ceases to amaze its visitors, revealing new facets of its rich cultural past. If you are looking for something unusual, Charleroi is a place where you can find unexpected inspiration and surprising discoveries.

Interesting fact: The Charleroi Museum of Photography has the largest collection of photographs in Europe, with more than 80,000 items.

Charleroi is a city that combines industrial heritage and contemporary cultural initiatives. Walking through its streets, you can touch history and feel the spirit of the transformations that have made this city so unique and attractive to new generations.