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mons

Mons is the capital of the province of Hainaut in the Wallonia region of Belgium. It lies on the Haine River, southwest of Brussels. The name derives from the Latin mons, meaning mountain or hill, and reflects the historic topography of the area.

Historically, Mons developed as an important medieval town within the County of Hainaut and later became a

Cultural landmarks in Mons include the Grand Place with the Town Hall and the Belfry of Mons,

Education and economy: Mons hosts a major university and several higher-education institutions, forming a regional academic

regional
center
in
the
Burgundian
and
Habsburg
periods.
The
city
endured
the
upheavals
of
the
20th
century,
including
occupation
in
the
world
wars
and
near
the
front
lines
during
World
War
I.
In
2015,
Mons
and
Pécs
were
designated
European
Capitals
of
Culture,
a
designation
that
highlighted
the
city’s
cultural
programs
and
revitalization.
both
central
elements
of
the
historic
core.
The
Belfry
belongs
to
the
group
of
Belfries
of
Belgium
and
France
that
are
listed
by
UNESCO.
The
Saint
Waltrude
Collegiate
Church
and
the
Mons
Memorial
Museum,
which
focuses
on
military
history,
are
notable
institutions
in
the
city.
The
Ducasse
de
Mons,
or
Doudou
festival,
held
on
Trinity
Sunday,
features
the
procession
of
Saint
Waltrude
and
a
dragon
figure;
it
is
recognized
by
UNESCO
as
intangible
cultural
heritage.
center.
The
city
serves
as
a
hub
for
administration,
services,
culture,
and
commerce
in
western
Belgium,
preserving
a
blend
of
historical
heritage
and
contemporary
urban
life.