Genk is not your typical city, both historically and physically. It started out as a small church village and it was an inspiration to landscape artists. Until in the beginning of the twentieth century the underground coal changed everything above ground for good ...

Garden suburbs, industrial estates and public infrastructure reshaped the physical, social and economic landscape in a short time. Activity in the coal industry also meant an irreversible change in the human landscape: people came from all corners of the world to Genk to try their luck underground.

The multicultural society has generated a great diversity in religions and so a to rich array of churches and prayer centres, some of which are open to visitors.

Genk is not a classically historical city, however, it has many valuable monuments and places that are worth a visit.