Last weekend, the City of Soignies and the Royal Society of Archers Sainte-Christine inaugurated the completely refurbished Maison des Archers. Works which represent an investment of more than 350,000 euros for the City of Soignies, which has made it a point of honor to renovate this emblematic place in the medieval history of the City.
Concerned about its heritage, the City of Soignies wanted to restore the Maison des Archers. The Sainte-Christine Archers have existed for more than 600 years and are part of the exceptional heritage of Sonégien. More than 350,000 euros have therefore been invested, making this place unique in Wallonia.
Initially planned last year on the occasion of the bicentenary of the Jardin des Archers, the inauguration of the Maison des Archers has been postponed many times due to sanitary and climatic circumstances. This year, the Sainte-Christine Archers, the City of Soignies and the Municipal Tourist Office finally had the opportunity to inaugurate it.
The inaugural evening offered guests a tour of the premises which also house a museum on the ground floor. In the centuries-old garden perched on the rampart, the Archers gave a demonstration of archery, to a background of music and medieval dance.
“We are delighted to see this symbolic place of our thousand-year-old city come back to life”, rejoices Fabienne Winckel, mayor of Soignies. “I would like to warmly thank the Sainte-Christine Archers who keep this place alive all year round and thus perpetuate the traditions of our city. Thanks to their work, our city now has a new museum which bears witness to our rich past. A real nugget to discover in the city center.”
The day ended under a beautiful spring sun with two torchlight walks offered by the Municipal Tourist Office to mark the start of the tourist season. Humor, magic shows, music, tales, tastings and discovery of the exceptional Sonégien heritage were on the agenda.
