Travel Guide to Brussels, Belgium

If you come to Brussels it may just turn out that you physically won't have enough time for visiting all the sights, monuments and historical buildings of this city. The symbol of modern Brussels is the Atomium, projected by A. Waterkeyn for the World's Fair in Brussels of 1958. The spheres of the Atomium symbolize atoms in a model of an iron crystal, which is enlarged in 165 billion times. The tubes that connect the iron molecules symbolize the connecting strength. Recently a great restoration of the Atomium was carried out, for example, the aluminum facing was changed for a non-rusting one.

The Grand Place. The Grand Place, or the Grotte Markt in Dutch, was almost totally ruined by the French artillery in 1695, only the City Hall remained untouched. The reconstruction of the square started without delay and the result was that the Grand Place turned into one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The front of every building is unique, but it doesn't prevent the square from looking harmoniously and laconically. The Grand Place is surrounded by the City Hall, The Royal House and The Guild Houses with its fabulous golden fronts in Flemish style. In the Brewers' Guild House there is the Museum of Beer and in The Royal Palace the National Museum takes place.

The Cinquantenaire Park. The Cinquantenaire Park is an ideal place for those, who would like to spend their time far from hustle of the big city and to learn something new. This park was created for the anniversary of the independence of Brussels by the project of Leopold II. Its distinguishing feature is the marvelous triumphal arch, the prototype of which was the French Arc de Triomphe. In The Cinquantenaire Park, the Autoworld Museum, the Royal Museum of Fine Art and the Museum of the Army are situated. It goes without saying that this park is the best place for having some walks and enjoying the beauty of nature.

St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral. St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral connects the uptown and the downtown. Its two obtuse towers remind of the Cathedral of Notre-Dam, even Victor Hugo called it a true gothic cathedral. The process of building started in the beginning of the 13th century and it was finished only in the end of the 15th century, so St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral has elements in both early and late gothic styles. The building is 108 meters tall, 50 meters wide and the distance between the highest towers and the ground is about 69 meters. In the cathedral at about 1200 paintings are kept. It was long since St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral was restored and after long centuries the stone-work got dark, but nowadays after a painstaking restoration one can enjoy its beauty in original white color.

The Royal Castle of Laken. The Royal Castle of Laken owes its richness and gorgeousness first of all to Leopold II. He was constantly widening the domain by buying housing estates from his peasants. Since the 19th century the Royal Family of Belgium settled down there. While walking around the park you'll surely see different places of interest, for example, the Royal Palace, the China Tower, the central dome of the royal greenhouses or the China Hall.

The Royal Palace. The Royal Palace is one of the most fabulous official buildings in Brussels. It symbolizes the Belgium monarchy. It is the very place, where the King fulfils the duties of the head of the country, solves governmental questions and carries out the audiences. Everyone can visit the Royal Palace and its terraces from the 21st of July till the beginning of September.

Read more about Brussels:
Restaurants and cuisine in Brussels
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Brussels
Nightlife and attractions in Brussels
Preparing for Brussels: Advices
Brussels photogallery