When I was in the Brussels, I was very surprised by the Military Museum, which is occupying the left wing of the Arch of Triumph in the Jubilee Park. The museums has a lot of collections which is relating not only to the Belgian Army.
Below some of my photos which I did in the museum. Hope they will give the idea of what you can see inside. I only want to mention that museum has Royal status and free entrance.
Brussels Royal Park is known as the Park of Brussels. As you can see from its name, the park is a part of the Royal Residence and it’s located in from of the Palace. Another noticeable building which you can see near the Park are Parliament and Office of the Belgian Prime Minister.
In the park you can see a lot of statues and fountains. Also sometimes you can see here some concert or other event which are conducting on open air.
The Grand Place in Brussels (it’s also called Grote Markt) is considered as most beautiful square in Europe. The architectural ensemble of Grand Place form buildings from the three different epoch – Gothic, Baroque and the time of Louis XIV.
In the Middle Ages Grand Place was a city’s market, place where the citizens of Brussels sold their product. Also it was the political center of the city and the place where were conducted the executions.
Most famous building at Grand Palace are old Town Hall and Maison du Roi (Bread house).
The Grand Place in Brussels is almost always crowded. Here is always hustle and fuss so if want to enjoy its spectacular view in the silence you have to visit this place in the morning.
May be it’s a city’s fate that Brussels is a capital of EU. Few centuries ago Brussels was the capital of the greatest empire in the world and I think that administrative traditions are not disappeared from the city since then.
And it’s generally accepted that the main square of the city – is a most beautiful square in Europe. As for me it’s enough to make a decision about visit the city so when I was in western Germany I have not missed opportunity to visit Brussels with the one day excursion.
One thing has overshadowed my experience in the city. It’s a lot of garbage across the streets. I was told later that public utilities went on strike that day. So I was not lucky and I hope they revise the situation.
Brussels is a small city. I didn’t use public transport. It’s about a 15 minutes’ walk from the train station to the city’s center. It was early morning when I arrived in Brussels and I didn’t meet a lot of tourists on the city’s streets. It was good because I was able to do the photos of what I liked without hurrying up.
Of course I started my excursion from the famous Grand Place which once was the focal center of the city. Grand Place has been destroyed at the end of the 18 century after huge bombarding from the French troops. Later king Louis 14 restored the Grand Place in the splendid style.
Next stop of my excursion was St. Michael’s Cathedral well-known by its twin bell towers. This place impressed me so much that I even come back here after few hours wandering across Brussels’ streets.
By the way Brussels is known for its fish restaurants. After all it’s only a few hundred kilometers away of seashore and in Brussels you can always test fresh sea products.
Next main attractions in Brussels are Royal Palace with garden, so-called European Quarter with lot of administrative buildings and the Triumph Arch which hosts nice military museums. You should definitely visit this museum especially if you a fan of Napoleon.
And don’t miss in the Brussels chocolate shops. They scattered around the city and as I know I Brussels there are even special tours on these shops. Also as for me chocolate from the Brussels is the best souvenir from the city as well as the local beer.
I didn’t find famous Manneken Pis fountain in Brussels. Don’t worry in the city there are a lot of signs which point to this monument. May be it was to small (as well as the rest sculptures in the city) and I didn’t notice it. But I found in the city a lot of others small sculptures and fountains which adorn the city’s streets.
Royal Palace in Brussels stands under the place of the former Duke’s Palace. So it’s exactly the place where once sat Charles V – one of the most powerful kings in Europe. Unfortunately nothing left from the old palace in Brussels. In 1731 old palace was completely destroyed during the fire.
New Palace has been designed by Louis Montoyer. To be exact he built two houses which were intended to be the home for the royal family but later William of Orange combined them into the one Palace.
During the reign of King King Leopold II building has been revamped and took its current guise.
During the summer time (in July and August) the Royal Palace is open for public. But if you visit Brussels in different period you can visit the museum dedicated to the royal family which is located at the right wing of the Palace.
Cathedral in Brussels has been built in 1047 under the reign of Duke of Brabant over the place of older church. Few centuries later Cathedral has been revamped and took its current guise.
The façade of the Cathedral has been finished in the middle of the 15th century.
Inside of the Cathedral you can see a lot of very interesting things. For example a magnificent stained glass windows and a small museum with medieval pictures.
Also I found very convenient the seats in front of Cathedral. It’s very nice in sunny day to occupy one of them and contemplate wonderful view of the Cathedral.
