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Fortification · Binche, Hainaut
Binche Ramparts and Palace of Mary of Hungary
Medieval wall of about 2 km, flanked by more than twenty towers, encircling the center of Binche. On its crest, the communal park holds the ruins of Mary of Hungary’s Renaissance palace, destroyed in 1554.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Binche Ramparts and Palace of Mary of Hungary
Binche has preserved almost all of its medieval wall, a rare case in Belgium. The first enclosure was built in the 12th century by Count Baldwin IV of Hainaut and extended northward in the 14th century. The current wall is just over 2 km long and has more than twenty towers, although the gates have disappeared.
At the highest point of the town, beside the collegiate church of Saint-Ursmer, is the communal park. There are the ruins of the counts of Hainaut’s castle, transformed in the 16th century into a Renaissance palace by Mary of Hungary, sister of Charles V, who received the town in 1544 and organized court festivities there.
In 1554, the troops of King Henry II of France set fire to the town and the palace. Only the foundations, stretches of wall and the terraces remained, from which you can see the valley and the outline of the ramparts.
A walk through the park and along sections of the wall completes a visit to the center and shows Binche before the carnival, as a residence of princes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour.
Best time
By day, in dry weather, to walk through the park and along the wall.
How to get there
The communal park is behind the collegiate church of Saint-Ursmer, just above the Grand-Place.
Tip
Combine the park with the collegiate church next door, then walk down along the wall to the lower part of town.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Binche Ramparts and Palace of Mary of Hungary
Does Binche still have walls?
Yes. The medieval wall is almost entirely preserved, just over 2 km long with more than twenty towers.
Who was Mary of Hungary?
Sister of Emperor Charles V and governor of the Low Countries; she received Binche in 1544 and transformed the old castle into a Renaissance palace.
What remains of Mary of Hungary’s palace?
Ruins of the foundations, stretches of wall and terraces in the communal park, after the 1554 fire.