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Culture of Brussels. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
Brussels offers to its guests visits to most unusual memorials, interesting museums and theaters. Among the unique monuments of our time we simply can’t fail to mention Atomium. This monument is a huge model of iron molecule. The monument was built in 1958 in honor of the World's Fair. The height of the model is 122 meters. Visitors are allowed to use elevator that will bring you to a specially equipped area, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
1. Weather is rather rainy in Brussels, so tourists, who plan to make long walks, are recommended to take a raincoat or an umbrella with them. 2. Summer is considered the best time to … 
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If it feels like you’ve already seen all notable landmarks and places of interest in Brussels and now want to see something new, it’s high time to explore wondrous hidden sights … Open
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Hometown of Audrey Hepburn is one great attraction, where at every step there are interesting buildings. Among the most notable is the Cathédrale des Sts- Michel et Gudule – a place that simply amazes with its magnificence and grandeur. The Cathedral was built in the beginning of the XIII century. Palais Royal, the official palace of Kings and Queens of the Belgians since the 11th century, is yet another place worthy of visiting. It is not only pleasant to look at, but also aesthetically gratifying. If the king happens to be present during the time of your visit, then you will notice an honor guard at the front of the palace. If on the other hand he is in another place, a flag flies over the palace.
Unique Brussels Welcome Hotel will please travellers who enjoy exploring cultures of different nations. The hotel has only 15 guestrooms, each of which has its own name – the Silk Road, … Open
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For those who wish to explore the city in another way, say, the futuristic part of it, besides the above mentioned Atomium, a visit to the Heysel Exhibition Park would be perfect. In addition to the fact that the building looks quite impressive, there are interesting types of flora inside. Those who are accustomed to seeing Brussels only as a historical city will be pleasantly surprised to visit the Belgian Comic Strip Center and discover an interesting world of comic books. Also popular is The Comic Strip Walk, a kind of walk through the “places of glory” – Brussels graffiti. It seems that this is a completely different city – but here it is, Brussels, combining modernity and tradition. 
City tours, excursions and tickets in Brussels and surroundings
Plan your own excursion through Brussels: churches, museums and castles
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, Brussels
Location on the map: 
Facts:
» The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is one of the main attractions of Brussels, and the clearest example of Gothic architecture. Facts:» The building of the cathedral is a symmetrical composition with two towers, within which there is a long staircase opening onto the terrace that is 64 meters high. The terrace offers a magnificent view of the city.
» The Cathedral has four doors decorated with wrought-reliefs and statues of saints. There is a huge stained glass above the main entrance.
» Stained glasses decorating the cathedral were created in the 16th century by Jan Haq and in 18-19th century by Jean-Baptiste Kaproner.
» The cathedral houses the mausoleum of the Belgian national hero Frederic de Merode.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Brussels
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Catholic Basilica of the Sacred Heart is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was inspired by the eponymous basilica in Paris. Facts:» This shrine is the sixth area of the Roman Catholic Church in the world.
» The church is the large structure with two towers and a green copper dome towering 89 meters above the ground. The length of the building is almost 165 meters.
» In total the church can accommodate up to 2,000 people.
» The basilica houses a restaurant, a Catholic radio station, theater, two museums, and a place of training cavers and climbers.
Royal Palace, Brussels
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Belgian monarch situated in the heart of the capital. Facts:» At present the royal family palace is used mainly as a venue for formal events.
» Every summer, the Royal Palace is traditionally open to the public. You can get inside the palace and see its galleries and chambers for free.
» Throne Hall with its grand decor, a wonderful mirror room, the ceiling of which is decorated with winged scarab beetles, and the Imperial Room with gorgeous golden flower pots, where plants of eleven colors, one for each province of Belgium, are the most notable places.
» The palace also houses the museum of Bellevue, which was once a hotel accommodating many famous people. Now that’s the museum of history of Belgium.
Church of Our Blessed Lady, Brussels
Facts:
» The Church of Our Blessed Lady is one of the clearest examples of temples built in the late Gothic style. » The Church was built in the period from 1400 to 1594. It’s located near Small Sablon Park that was laid in honor of the great men of the sixteenth century.
» The church building is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows; bright interior lighting is turned on in the night.
» Since its construction in 1784, the church has being serving as the burial place for noble aristocratic families.
» The church is famous for its numerous sculptures adorning the facade of the building, its grounds and interior.
Royal Palace of Laeken, Brussels
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Royal Palace of Laeken is the residence of the Belgian royal family, where it currently resides. Facts:» The building of the palace was built in 1781-1785 in the style of Classicism.
» The Royal Palace of Laeken is also famous for its territory boasting a magnificent park, a lake, the Royal Conservatory, a golf course and various pavilions.
» The park has two buildings unusual for Belgium style. Those are the Chinese pavilion and the Japanese tower that appeared here after Leopold II visited the World's Fair in Paris in 1900; there he saw pavilions of different countries, so he wanted to decorate his park.
» Opposite the park there is the neo-Gothic Church of Our Lady in Laeken with the crypt serving as the burial place of the royal family.
» Unfortunately, the palace itself is closed to the public, but the park, pavilions and conservatory are open for everyone.
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Brussels
Manneken Pis
Where: Rue de L’Etuve, Brussels; More info: Jeanneken pis can be found at impasse de la fidelité, close to rue des bouchers.;
Where: Rue de L’Etuve, Brussels; More info: Jeanneken pis can be found at impasse de la fidelité, close to rue des bouchers.;
Grand Place
Where: Rue Américaine 25, Brussels; Telephone: +32 2 543 04 90;
Where: Rue Américaine 25, Brussels; Telephone: +32 2 543 04 90;
Muées Royaux des Beaux-Arts
Where: Rue de la Regence 1- 3, Brussels; Telephone: +32 2 508 32 11;
Where: Rue de la Regence 1- 3, Brussels; Telephone: +32 2 508 32 11;
Place du Grand Sablon
Reference information
Map of all palaces
Public palaces near Brussels
♥ Palace 'Egmont Palace' Brussels, 0.7 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Royal Palace of Belgium' Brussels, 0.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Royal Castle of Laeken' Brussels, 4.8 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Palace 'Royal Palace of Antwerp' Antwerp, 41.8 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Brussels and around
♥ Art museum 'Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium' Brussels, 0.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Horta Museum' Brussels, 2.2 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Art museum 'Cinquantenaire Museum' Brussels, 3 km from the center. On the map
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Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Brussels
♥ Basilique Nationale du Sacré-Cœur, Koekelberg, 3.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Sint-Servaasbasiliek, Grimbergen, 10.1 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Sint Martinusbasiliek, Halle, 14.3 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Basiliek Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Hanswijk, Mechelen / Malines, 22 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Primatiale Sint-Romboutskathedraal, Mechelen / Malines, 22.5 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Basilique Notre-Dame de Paix et de Concorde, Basse-Wavre / Waver, 23.4 km from the center. On the map
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♥ Basiliek Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Lourdes, Edegem, 35.4 km from the center. On the map
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Car rental on OrangeSmile.com
Photogallery of cultural heritage of Brussels
Landmarks of culture on Brussels map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
Culture guide to Brussels. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Brussels: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Brussels. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
