MONS, BELGIUM

The Guardhouse Monkey, on the main facade of the City Hall in Mons, is a small iron statue of a monkey. Its origin is unknown, but it dates back several centuries. According to tradition, people passing by must touch its head with the left hand for the fulfillment of a wish. The monkey's head is no longer the same colour as the rest of his body as a result of the many many hands that have stroked it for luck.

Mons is a Belgian city and municipality, and the capital of the province of Hainaut. Together with the Czech city of Plzeň, Mons is the European Capital of Culture in 2015.

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The Guardhouse Monkey, on the main facade of the City Hall in Mons, is a small iron statue of a monkey. Its origin is unknown, but it dates back several centuries. According to tradition, people passing by must touch its head with the left hand for the fulfillment of a wish. The monkey's head is no longer the same colour as the rest of his body as a result of the many many hands that have stroked it for luck.<br />
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Mons is a Belgian city and municipality, and the capital of the province of Hainaut. Together with the Czech city of Plzeň, Mons is the European Capital of Culture in 2015.