Brussels
Beating Heart of Europa
Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but also known as the capital of Europe, the European Union, NATO and other international organizations are headquartered here. The city of Brussels has large difference in elevation and boasts such famous attractions as the Grand Place, Brussels Town Hall, and the Manneken Pis.
The Lovable Peeing Boy
The story of the Manneken Pis is a familiar one, with the heroic and resourceful Little Julien peeing on the fuse and saving the lives of the people. But what you may not know is that he is also the world’s most stylish little boy, who owns more than a thousand custom-made costumes. At festivals, he wears the appropriate outfit to celebrate with everyone.
Manneken Pis
Brussels' Oldest and Best Known Citizen
The Manneken Pis is known as the oldest citizen of Brussels because, according to legend, he doused the fuse that was about to detonate an explosive by peeing. The statue of the peeing boy is located on the corner south of the Grand Place in Brussels, and on celebrations and special days, the boy is dressed in a specially tailored costume.
A few minutes away from the Manneken Pis, the Grand Place of Brussels is also a must-see tourist attraction, with its 96-meter-high town hall and 40 historic buildings surrounding the square, which was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1998.
Grand Place And Brussels Town Hall
One of World's Most Beautiful Squares
The Grand Place is a famous tourist attraction in Brussels, surrounded by the Brussels Town Hall, the King's House, and many historical buildings. It was once described as the most beautiful square in the world by French writer Victor Hugo and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998.
The King Who Loved Architecture
King Leopold II was a keen traveler and a lover of architecture. Under his reign, Brussels underwent extensive construction, and three hilltop buildings in the city were built during this period: the Mont des Arts, the Palace of Justice, and the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart. By the way, Leopold II was also a brutal tyrant, millions of African people died under his tyranny.
Mont des Arts
Urban Complex and Historic Site of Brussels
The Mont des Arts is located in the heart of the city of Brussels, a historical art district that was created by King Leopold II. The area is home to the Royal Library, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, etc, and the terrace at the halfway point of the hill offers excellent views of the Brussels Town Hall and other landmarks.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Fiftieth Anniversary of Independence
The Parc du Cinquantenaire was built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence and the Cinquantenaire Arch in the center of the park is one of the landmarks of Brussels. The park has hosted numerous exhibitions, including the World Expo, and has three large museums with different themes.
Palace Of Justice Of Brussels
Once the Largest Building in the World.
Built in 1883, the Palace of Justice in Brussels was once the largest building in the world, with 27 large courtrooms and 245 small courtrooms inside. The Palace of Justice is located on the height of the city and offers a stunning view from its north terrace.
National Basilica Of The Sacred Heart
Fifth Largest Church in the World
The National Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located on top of Koekelberg Hill in Brussels and was the fifth largest church in the world when it was built. The basilica is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture, with an 89-meter-high dome, a nearly 140-meter-long nave, and two museums.
EU Headquarters
Brussels is known as the capital of Europe, and the headquarters of many international organizations, including the European Union, are located in the heart of the city. The European Commission is headquartered in the Berlaymont Building, an X-shaped building. It is the symbol of the European Union, and many important decisions on the fate of the world are made in the meeting room on the 13th floor.
Berlaymont Building
The Beating Heart of Europe
The Berlaymont, located on the north side of the Rue de la Loi in Brussels, was completed in 1969 and houses the headquarters of the European Commission. The Europa Building, where the European Council and the Council of the European Union are located, is just one street away from the Berlaymont.
