Brussels (Belgium) – the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Brussels with a description, guides and cards.
Contents
City of Brussels (Belgium)
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the center of its largest urban agglomeration. This is the political center of Europe, which houses headquarters of the European Union. Despite the status of the capital, Brussels is a surprisingly small and calm city. Unlike charming Bruges and Ghent, which are constantly filled the hordes of tourists, the capital of Belgium is the main educational and the economic center of the country, which, it seems, is constantly busy with work. There are perhaps no magnificent ancients in Brussels. attractions and historical monuments, but it is definitely excellent direction to get to know the life of the Belgians, visit great restaurants as well as awesome museums and art galleries.
Brussels is surrounded by Dutch-speaking Flanders and Flemish province of Brabant. The capital of Belgium is at the crossroads of two cultures – romance and german. Thanks to this, the city has unique character and liberal atmosphere.
- Geography and climate
- Practical information
- Story
- How to get there
- Shopping and shopping
- Food and drink
- sights
- Video
- Maps and guides
- Comments and reviews
Geography and climate
Brussels is located in the center of Belgium, closer to its northern part. The city is located on the river Senna, which in the 19th century was practically completely overlapped in the urban planning process. Capital of belgium has a temperate maritime climate. Weather in Brussels often gray and wet. Summer is often cool and rainy. Winter about the same with rare negative temperatures.
Panorama of Brussels
Practical information
- The population is 176 thousand people.
- The area is 32.61 km².
- Currency – Euro (€).
- Language – French and Dutch. Brussels is officially bilingual city. Signs and signs have two names, which may sound completely different. Although 85% of its inhabitants speaks french.
- Time – Central European (UTC +1, summer +2).
- Brussels is generally a very safe city. There is not a couple well-off areas, but the usual tourist there will never be. The biggest problem here is pickpockets and crooks. therefore follow the basic safety rules and you will have everything Brussels is good.
- Brussels is famous for lace, chocolate and beer. Also here You can try the famous waffles, french fries and mussels. Typical Belgian beers: gueuze (sour) and kriek (sweet, on cherry-based).
- In Brussels, you can try a cocktail that represents a mixture of white wine and champagne.
Story
It is believed that Brussels was founded in the 6th century by Saint Gagerik. The name of the city is translated from Old Netherlands as “settlement in the marshes. “First mentioned Brussels was in the year 996. And for several decades before this the duke of lorraine Charles I founded on Senna fortress. In the 11th century a medieval settlement surrounded first wall.
In the 15th century, Brussels became the capital of Burgundy. This period considered the heyday of the city. In Brussels are built magnificent buildings, painters, sculptors, jewelers. In the 16th century the city lost its capital status, and Belgium was conquered by Spain. Brussels leaves Bohemia and elite, which leads to its decline.
Streets of Brussels
After the Thirty Years War, Brussels remains under the rule Spaniards. In 1695, the French attempted to seize the city, who fired artillery shells and almost completely destroyed the Grand Place. At the beginning of the 18th century domination over Belgium adopted Austria. In 1789, the Belgians during the uprising succeed gain independence, but in 1794 the country was conquered By france. Belgium actually belonged to the French before the defeat Napoleon in 1815. In 1830, Brussels becomes the capital independent Belgian kingdom.
In the 19th century, Brussels experienced a new heyday. City built quickly and grows thanks to industrialization. Brussels hardly hurt during the two world wars. After the second World War I the capital of Belgium is gaining more and more international value. In 1958, the city here houses the headquarters of the European economic community, and then the European Union.
How to get there
Brussels Airport is the largest in Belgium. is he takes a lot of flights from different cities of Europe and the world. You can get from the airport to the center by train, bus (STIB number 12 or No. 21) or taxi. Interestingly, from Zaventem Village station (Dorp), located a short walk from the terminal, You can get to the city much cheaper.
Brussels has three railway stations: Midi-Zuid (south of city center), Central-Centraal (center) and Nord-Noord (north from the city center). Brussels has a regular railway communication with Cologne, Paris, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, London, Frankfurt am Main, Lyon, Lille, Marseille, Bordeaux, Montpellier. It is also easy from the above cities to get to the capital of Belgium by bus or car.
Shopping and shopping
Shopping centers:
- Galeries Saint Hubert-Sint Hubertusgalerijen – the oldest in the world shopping center opened in 1847.
- Galeria Inno on Rue Neuve-Nieuwstraat.
- Woluwe Shopping Center – a large shopping center in the east Brussels.
Panorama Brussels
Markets:
- Marché aux Puces – Vlooienmarkt – an interesting flea market on Jeu de Balle-Vossenplein square. Works every day from 7.00 to 14.00
- Marché du Midi – Zuidmarkt – one of the largest markets in Europe. Here you can buy almost everything: from products to clothing.
- Anderlecht Market on Rue Ropsy-Chaudron / Ropsy-Chaudronstraat – a big and noisy market that is held on weekends.
sights
Grand Place (Grote Markt)
Grand Place (Grote Markt) – the main square of Brussels and the heart old town. This urban space is considered one of the most well-preserved historical market squares of Europe. The architectural ensemble Grand Place is unique. All buildings represent magnificent example of baroque and gothic architecture with a noticeable Flemish influence. They are decorated with gables, pilasters and balustrades, as well as carved stonework and rich gold decor. Most of the buildings on the square date back to the 17th century. Story the same square began in the 11th century.
The most beautiful building on the Grand Place is the Town Hall, founded in 1402. This building is a masterpiece of Brabant. Gothic and has a beautiful central tower. Architectural ensemble The Grand Place is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. is a symbol of Brussels.
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis – The Most Famous Landmark Brussels, whose origins go back to the 14th century. The current statue was Made in 1619 and stolen several times. During major holidays, events and festivals of this sculpture dressed in outfits that match the spirit of the event.
Manneken Pis is surrounded by legends, and the origin of this The sculptural composition is covered in mystery. According to one version – a fountain is a monument to a courageous baby who prevented fire; on the other, it is the son of the count, who succumbed to the urgent physiological desire by participating in the official ceremony.
Cathedral cathedral of sv. Michael
Cathedral of sv. Mihaila – the main sacred monument Brussels. This imposing gothic church was founded in 13 century and completed only in the 15th century. The cathedral has a beautiful facade and rich interior decorated with stained glass windows and paintings.
A popular museum is the Belgian Comic Center, located in a magnificent building of the early 20th century. Here Presented an exhibition of 200 original drawings of comics. Belgian and French artists.
Royal square
Royal Square is the second most popular place in Brussels. The square is an ensemble of historic buildings with neoclassical facades. The most important attraction here is the royal palace that is used Belgian monarchs as the official residence.
Mountain Arts
The Mountain of Arts is an impressive complex of buildings comprising Albert I library and several palaces. This space was created between 1956 and 1958, occupying a hill with beautiful view of the city.
Notre Dame Du Sablon
Notre-Dame du Sablon – one of the most beautiful late Gothic churches in Belgium, built between the 15th and 16th centuries. it a religious building was built on the site of an older church early 14th century. Notre-Dame du Sablon has a spectacular interior and beautiful stained glass windows.
A park the fiftieth anniversary
The Park of the Fiftieth Anniversary was created in 1880 to commemorate 50th anniversary of the independence of Belgium. This is a popular place for walking. an area of 37 hectares. The central element of the park is a monumental the palace of the fiftieth anniversary, the two wings of which are connected in 1905 massive triumphal arch. The palace is home to the historic royal museum with an extensive collection of tapestries and museum of the belgian army.
Sacre Coeur
Sacre-Coeur – an impressive basilica, founded in 1905 in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the country. This is the fifth largest church in world, impressive for its size. The construction of the basilica was completed only in 1970, therefore the building has a mixture architectural styles. Inside is a great collection. works of art and a permanent exhibition on the history of this building.
Cistercian abbey
Cistercian Abbey – an ancient monastery founded in 13 century, destroyed in the 16th century, and then restored. Now Among the beautiful French gardens is a geographical museum. The former abbey church dates from the 14th century and represents elegant building with baroque vaults.
Atomium
Atomium – the most surreal landmark Brussels. It is a fancy 102 meter steel and aluminum construction designed for the 1958 World Fair of the year. Atomium is a building in the form of an iron molecule enlarged in 165 million times.
Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts
The Royal Belgian Museum of Fine Arts is one of The largest and best art galleries in the world. His collection divided into two parts: Musée d’Art Ancien (museum of the ancient art) with a collection of Flemish and Dutch old masters and Musée d’art moderne (Museum of Modern Art) with works Belgian artists of the 19th – 20th century.
Video
Maps and guides
Tourist Map Metro Map
