Roman Ice Cream at Gelateria Mario

Mario Vanoppen is an entrepreneur through and through. In Vroenhoven and Rekem, he has already won over many customers with his delicious ice cream creations. Now you can also enjoy his artisan ice cream on the market square of Tongeren, overlooking the beautiful basilica and just a short walk from the Gallo-Romeins Museum.

Is entrepreneurship in your blood?

Absolutely. No challenge is too great for us to take on. I see opportunities everywhere. Many entrepreneurs simply sit back and do nothing, but that gets you nowhere. A positive mindset and collaboration with other entrepreneurs and organisations will take you further. Don’t look for problems — think in solutions.

Why VIA VIA?

When I first heard about the VIA VIA project, my creative mind immediately started turning. What did the Romans enjoy eating? Did they already have sugar? No — honey. And which herbs did they use? What kind of milk and fruits? After many questions, I finally knew: Via Belgica Romana ice cream.

And what exactly is ‘Via Belgica’ ice cream?

Romans travelling long distances also needed some refreshment from time to time. Think of tired merchants, travellers or soldiers after a long march. I was inspired by ingredients such as honey, ricotta and figs. The creaminess of ricotta, the sweetness of honey and the rich flavour of ripe figs — absolutely irresistible.

Honey from beekeeper De Kevi

Collaborating with other local entrepreneurs is essential to me. So for the Via Belgica ice cream, it was obvious that I would not use just any honey. The honey from local beekeeper “De Kevi” is a trusted name in Tongeren. And now also in our Roman ice cream.

A little gift

Every tourist walking past our shop with the VIA VIA / Via Belgica app will hear the sound of a Roman cornu. At that moment, a pop-up for “Mario’s Ice Cream” will appear in the app. Show it in our shop and receive a delicious free topping (rainbow sprinkles, whipped cream or nuts) on your ice cream.

Enjoy — and savour all the Roman splendour Tongeren has to offer!

Other Roman products

Roman delicacies, from cheese to pâté

View all Roman products

Are you an entrepreneur yourself and would you like to become a VIAVIA entrepreneur?

Then feel free to contact us at info@viavia.eu. We will help you develop your unique, Roman-inspired product.

What do we expect from you as a VIAVIA entrepreneur?

You develop a product inspired by the Roman past and offer it to your customers.
You keep us informed if there is any change in your offer.

What do we offer you free of charge as a VIAVIA entrepreneur?

You may participate annually in the inspiration sessions ‘Friends of VIAVIA’.
You will be connected with the necessary specialists to help develop your product. For example, if you wish to blow glass, we will bring you into contact with a specialist in Roman glassmaking for inspiration.
We conduct an interview and create a photo report.
We highlight your business and your products on our website, social media, and other promotional materials.
Events are organised regularly, and you will have the opportunity — without obligation — to present your product(s) and your business.