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April 29, 2007
Only a brief stopover here to exit the Euro-train and pick up our tour bus. |
| Brussels is a cosmopolitan city,
with a liveliness and an appeal that are intimately related to its role as a crossroads
for all of Europe. Architectural styles range from Gothic cathedrals and churches to the
gracious classical facades of the Palais des Nations, the Royal Palace and to the many art
nouveau and art deco houses in the comfortable neighborhoods where the Bruxellois live.
After a bombardment in 1695, where only the city hall remained standing, work started on rebuilding one of the finest squares in the world. The buildings around it each have a specific frontage, but they are all in complete harmony with each other. The City Hall, founded in the 15th century, is the finest building in the city. Above the 97 meters high tower is the recently restored image of St. Michael, the patron saint of Brussel.
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The Museum of the City of Brussel is
housed in the Broodhuis. You can admire early paintings by Breugel, as
well as the entire wardrobe of Manneken Pis, Brussel' most famous citizen.
To the north-east of the Grand Place, you will find the Sint-Hubertus gallery,
built in 1846 and the oldest covered shopping arcade in Europe.
Every neighborhood has its own market as Brussels is a city of markets: the bird market, the flower market, the antique market, the flea market, and the horse market. Vendors bring fresh produce from nearby fields, cheeses made in farms and abbeys; hams cured in the Ardennes, flowers and potted plants, chickens, rabbits and fresh caught fish, shrimp and mussels from the North Sea. |
| Mussels in Brussels are a must! They are prepared in a variety of ways and are a bargain in season. All Belgian food is of course delicious. Proportions are huge, so try to save room for dessert. Chocolates, waffles and cookies are everywhere. And after all, you can always go on a diet in Paris. |
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TRAVEL PICTURES
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EUROPE - 2007
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