Tongeren

Tongeren (Tongres in French) started life as a Roman army encampment. It is one of Belgium's two oldest cities (the other being Tournai) and is visibly proud of the fact. This is where Ambiorix scored a famous but short-lived victory over Julius Caesar's legions in 54 BC. (There's a statue of the strapping warrior in the Grote Markt square.) The Roman city was considerably larger than the present one; over the centuries, it was repeatedly sacked and burned. By the end of the 13th century, the city had retreated within its present limits and enjoyed the occasionally burdensome protection of the prince bishops of Liège. The Moerenpoort gate and sections of the ramparts remain from that period. These days, Tongeren is regularly invaded by vendors and browsers for its weekly antiques market. The selection of antiques and brocante (vintage goods and collectibles) draws people from all over the country, as well as Germany and the Netherlands. The dealers set up shop in the town's main squares and thoroughfares. It's held on Sunday, starting at 6 am.