The Walloon city of Tournai has received a warning from UNESCO regarding infrastructure works near its cathedral and belfry. The warning was issued during a meeting

in New Delhi, India, as reported by the Flemish public broadcaster VRT.

The Cathedral of Our Lady and the belfry in Tournai are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Experts from UNESCO's World Heritage Committee have expressed concerns about recent and planned infrastructure projects in the vicinity.

Recently, the Pont des Trous over the River Scheldt was demolished and replaced with a new structure. Near Tournai’s cathedral, a visitor center with a panoramic roof terrace is under construction at Carré Janson. Additionally, a three-story building will be added to the Museum of Fine Arts, designed by renowned Belgian architect Victor Horta.

UNESCO is displeased with these developments. The bridge replacement was done without informing UNESCO, and it "has a negative impact on the historical unity" of Tournai. The Carré Janson project threatens the "exceptional universal value" of the cathedral and belfry, prompting UNESCO to call for the project's halt and re-evaluation. UNESCO is also requesting a review of the planned museum expansion.

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee is meeting in India until July 31. In the coming days, new buildings or landscapes will be added to the World Heritage List, potentially including the remains of an early Christian monastery in the Gaza Strip. Photo by Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer), Wikimedia commons.