Spiennes

Spiennes is a municipality, the city of Mons (German and nl. Mountains ) belongs in Hainaut (Belgium ). It is located about six kilometers south-east of Mons, on the eastern edge of the coalfield Borinage.

Flint Mines

Spiennes is unique for its Neolithic Flint Mines (Camp à Cailloux, Petit Spiennes ) known to be conducted by UNESCO on the list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity since 2000. The mines are among the largest in Europe. The shafts are about 15 feet deep and cover an area of about 100 hectares. They were discovered in the 19th century, the construction of a railway line. Their exploitation began around 4000 BC ( Michel Berger culture) and lasted until around 750 BC, there mined flints were encountered widespread.

Other major Neolithic mines are found in Le Grand- Pressigny (France), Grimes Graves (England), Krzemionki (Poland), Rijckholt (Netherlands) and on the Lousberg in Aachen and in Abensberg - Arnhofen ( Germany ).

Other places of interest

• Church from 1753
• Menhir of Haulchin
• Gallo -Roman ( Belger ) of Burial