This is the only country in the world where about 400 various types beer? We offer you some more interesting information about this country.
Belgium is a beautiful Western European country that borders France, the Netherlands and the North Sea. The capital of Belgium is the city of Brussels, and currency unit, operating on the territory of this country - Euro. The climate of Belgium is characterized by mild winters and cool summers. Belgium is known for its medieval castles and Gothic cathedrals. The Port of Antwerp is considered the fourth largest seaport in the world, and Antwerp is also one of Belgium's most famous art cities. Among other popular cities of art, it is worth highlighting the cities of Bruges and Ghent. It should be noted that Belgium is a multicultural and multilingual state. The official languages of Belgium are French, German and Dutch. Simple people Most often they communicate in French and Dutch.
Several interesting historical facts about Belgium
In 496 AD, Belgium was part of a kingdom founded by King Clovis.
Ancient Belgium was inhabited by Celtic tribes called the Belgae.
In 1555, Maximilian's grandson, Duke of Burgundy Charles the Bold, gave Belgium to his son, Philip II.
The saxophone was invented by the Belgian Adolphe Sax. Another interesting fact is that Herge, the author of the famous Tintin comic book series, is also from Belgium.
The people of Belgium love animals, so every Belgian home has at least a cat or a dog.
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// 28.03.2009
Germany has always been considered a rich and progressive state. This country has made a great contribution to the development of humanity. It also gave the world people who managed to change the world, among them Adolf Hitler and Albert Einstein. We invite you to meet
Modern Belgium is a relatively young state, it is only 178 years old. Its history, on the contrary, is ancient and very eventful.
Long road to independence
The name of the country comes from the word “Belgi” - this was the name of the people who lived here since ancient times. It is known, for example, that in 54 AD. e. This land was conquered by the restless Julius Caesar, as reported in his report on the Gallic War: the name of the population already appears there.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the Franks organized their state here, and then the territory continually passed from hand to hand, either being part of the Duchy of Burgundy (late 15th - mid-16th centuries), or belonging to Spain (until early XVIII century). It got to the point of ridiculousness: in 1713, Belgium was on the map of the Holy Roman Empire, and 23 years later, in 1792, it was the territory of France.
Then there was a call to “restore order in Europe” after Napoleonic “redrawing of borders.” As a result of this worthy forum, modern Belgium found itself part of the Netherlands. It must be said that this turn of events did not particularly inspire the country’s population, especially the French-speaking one.
Belgian number one
Discontent resulted in a revolution: 15 years after the aforementioned congress, in 1830, the “small but proud country” became an independent state. From the very beginning of its existence, which is supposed to be headed by the King of Belgium, who is a rather decorative figure. Of course, formally it is he who appoints the government, but the composition of the Cabinet of Ministers must be coordinated with parliament (which, in fact, is the main one in the country).
A funny incident that occurred in 1990 can serve as proof. Then King Baudouin I of Belgium flatly refused to sign the law on abortion, and without his signature the document could not come into force. Then the Legislative Assembly revealed the clearest example deceit and casuistry, voting to recognize the obstinate monarch as incompetent - just for one day. This was quite enough: the functions were transferred to the prime minister, who “signed up” the law.
Tolerant Belgians
An important factor that Belgium constantly has to take into account is the language spoken by its citizens. This is even reflected in the state management system: for example, in the government, half of the ministers represent the French-speaking part of the population, the other half the Flemish-speaking part. The administrative division follows largely on this principle, into the Walloon and Flemish regions respectively. Another third one is Brussels Metropolitan, but politics and economics have already played a role here.
In general, Belgium has three official languages. In addition to the already mentioned French, German also has the same rights. And this despite the fact that only part of the Liege province speaks it. Belgium is truly amazing and worthy of imitation: the language, because of which some peoples exterminate each other, does not tear it apart.
One can only admire the tolerance of the Belgians, their ability to negotiate, to meet each other halfway, disregarding all restrictions and prejudices. Recently there was news that same-sex marriage has been legalized everywhere in the United States. “This is unprecedented,” Belgium has the right to say on this occasion, interesting facts about which contain, for example, information that such liberties have been allowed here since 2003.
In addition, it is one of three countries in Europe that officially allows euthanasia. At the same time, no one was embarrassed by the fact that the majority of the population (over 70%) considers themselves Catholics, for whom such an approach to human life seems to be unacceptable.
A little geography
The territory of the state is small - only 30.5 thousand square kilometers. The population size is also not impressive: just over 11 million people (for comparison: more than 8 million live in London alone). But its density is one of the highest in Europe.
Those interested in the map should look to the northwest of the continent. There, between the Netherlands, Germany, France and Luxembourg, it flourishes (the standard of living of the Belgians is very high, the state is consistently among the top twenty of the best in many indicators).
It is not famous for its supernatural diversity of landscapes, which most often lie on a completely different plane (anthropogenic). The pattern is simple: the further from the coast (in the west the country is caressed by the waves of the North Sea), the higher the terrain. In this regard, Belgium is simply divided into low, middle (central plateau) and high (Ardennes Heights).
The climate, as they say, is temperate, typical of most coastal regions. It is neither particularly hot (in July - a maximum of 25 degrees on the coast), nor particularly cold (in winter - up to minus three). Rain is by no means a rare occurrence, and travelers should also keep in mind that it is much cooler in the Ardennes than on the coast.
Heart of Europe
If we try to say briefly about Belgium, then it is a typical European country that personifies all the notorious “Western values”. It is not for nothing that the capital of the EU and the European Parliament are located in Brussels, the huge modern building of which is one of the local attractions. In the countless mirrors that almost entirely make up the walls of the structure, the blue sky, the rising sun, and gloomy gray clouds are reflected.
Anyone who has gone through the preliminary registration procedure and deigns to come with an identification document can visit it. After checking with a metal detector for any harmful excesses (like weapons), there is absolutely no problem even attending any meeting.
Inside the building, in addition to rooms of purely functional significance, there are cafes and souvenir shops where you can have a snack and buy something as a souvenir, and you can take a booklet with a list of all the rights of a resident of the European Union (in the language of all its members) completely free of charge.
History and modernity
Of course, the European Parliament, for all its grandeur, is far from the main attraction of Brussels. The most famous character, without whom no description of Belgium is complete, is the famous Manneken Pis, reproduced countless times on postcards and souvenirs. The people of Brussels love their sweet, uninhibited child very much and on the occasion of various holidays they dress him up in appropriate outfits, the number of which has long exceeded six hundred.
It is fair to say that almost everything that Belgium is famous for, the interesting facts about which are countless, was created by human hands. Almost every ancient town boasts magnificent examples of medieval architecture.
Northern Venice and "Mini-Europe"
Entire ensembles of wonderful Gothic buildings constitute the main charm of Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and Bruges. The latter, among other things, has become widely known as the Venice of the North, since it is also dotted with canals along which boats move slowly.
Narrow streets, charming temples, magnificent royal palaces - all this is everyday life, which reflects the history of Belgium. The attitude towards tourists here is the most reverent, excursions are numerous and varied, and the number of attractions is truly enormous, it is impossible to see in a month.
But the witty Belgians provide the opportunity to see all the main continents in less than a day: in the Brussels Mini-Europe park, on an area of 24 thousand square meters. square meters, there are copies (a quarter of the real size) of everything that many cities on the continent are proud of. Here you have both Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower just a few steps away from each other.
The Belgian trace in world art
But seriously, Belgium, reviews of which do not contain any negativity at all, is more proud of original works of art, of which there are many. For example, the Cathedral of Our Lady in Bruges is the owner of the sculpture “Madonna and Child” by Michelangelo. This is the only statue of Buonarotti that left Italy during the master’s lifetime, since it was originally intended for this temple.
In addition, the history of Belgium contains another glorious page, related not to politics, but to culture: Flemish painting is one of the most outstanding and original phenomena in the fine arts. It gave the planet such magnificent masters as Jan van Eyck, Rubens and others. Many paintings by outstanding artists are kept in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, owned by the state.
Tourist paradise
In Belgium, everyone will find something to their liking. You can enthusiastically look at the monuments of medieval architecture, visit the museum of modern sculptural art, lie on the sand or relax in one of the local pubs: over eight hundred types of beer are brewed here (and the much-advertised world-famous Heineken is considered by the Belgians to be almost the worst of them).
It is impossible to talk about Belgium without saying a word about the famous local chocolate, which is produced annually in the amount of 220 thousand tons. Savvy Internet researchers have even calculated that, on average, every Belgian consumes almost a slab of sweet product per day.
Of course, this is unlikely to be true, and not only because “there are lies, blatant lies and statistics,” but also for the prosaic reason that a fair portion of the chocolate produced is exported, which means it is not the Belgians who eat it. Which, however, are not at all sad about this.
Discreet uniqueness
Discreet, non-aggressive, but unique, original and inimitable - these are the epithets that Belgium fully deserves. Interesting Facts One could go on for hours about the “harsh everyday life” of the local population. Whatever you touch on: lifestyle, legislation or culture - a unique local approach is revealed in everything.
For example, in Belgium no one has the right to study, since this process is not interpreted as a great benefit that is not accessible to everyone, but as a tedious duty. Before 18, you must study, after 18, you must go to the polls and vote. True, no one feels disadvantaged by such “rabid despotism,” which proves the complete absence of emigration. Nobody wants to leave here - quite the opposite. And Belgium demonstrates amazing hospitality: it ranks second (after Canada) in the world in the number of foreigners granted citizenship.
Belgium is located in northwestern Europe and borders France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. In the northwest it is washed by the North Sea.
Most of the country is flat, but abundantly dissected by hills and low hilly ridges. Despite its small size, the country's territory is clearly divided into three natural landscape zones: the coastal lowland plain surrounded by dunes and dissected by polders in the northwest, the low central plateau (High Fenn) and the Ardennes Upland in the southeast of the country. Cultivated landscapes predominate. The highest point is Botrange (694 m, Ardennes).
The total area of the country is 30.5 thousand square meters. km.
Little Belgium boasts its varied landscape - in the north there are dune landscapes of the seaside, in the central part there is a green hilly plain, in the south there are the green lowlands of the Ardennes.
The country has three official languages - Flemish (close to Dutch, has several dialects), German and French (distinguished by characteristic local pronunciation and big amount dialect words).
In many major cities and in resort areas on the coast they speak English almost fluently.
Population in Belgium divided into three major linguistic communities. North of the country - Flanders speaks Dutch, South of Belgium - Vallogne French-speaking
One in ten Belgians is bilingual, and the majority of the population have some knowledge of a second language. About 1% of Belgians are German-speaking, the German community is concentrated in the eastern part of the province of Liege, in 9 communes in Saint-Vith and Eupen.
Brussels is made up of 19 bilingual communes, although the French-speaking population predominates. In the 19th and early 20th centuries. The French-speaking population was in the lead in the life of the country.
Gradually, the Flemings achieved recognition as a separate ethnic community, first on their own lands, and then on a national scale. Flanders received autonomy status.
Most Belgians are Catholics. Although the number of parishioners in Walloon is declining, in Flanders and the Ardennes it remains approximately constant. Protestants live mainly in Brabant and Ghent. The Jewish community is concentrated in Brussels and Antwerp.
Political system of Belgium
Federal constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king. Legislature- bicameral parliament (House of Representatives and Senate), legislative acts are formed jointly by parliament and the monarch.
Administrative division - 3 regions (Flemish, Walloon and Brussels Capital Region) and 10 provinces. Regions are endowed with extensive autonomous rights and are governed by local executive authorities (assemblies).
The capital of Belgium is Brussels- at the same time it is the capital of the region with its own government and parliament; the headquarters of the Council of Ministers of the European Community, NATO and other international organizations is located here.
The largest cities are Brussels (970 thousand), Antwerp (480 thousand), Ghent (234 thousand), Liege (201 thousand).
Belgium, located in Western Europe, is a country with characteristic high level life, which is based on political and social stability, linguistic diversity and multinational population.
The combination of these factors, coupled with a highly developed infrastructure, an extensive international communication network, and the presence of qualified consultants with international experience, has contributed to the fact that Belgium has been able to become a major center of international financial activity.
An important aspect of obtaining a residence permit in any country is the legitimacy (legality) of this procedure from the standpoint of the legislation of both the country where the residence permit is obtained and the legislation of the country of which the person seeking to obtain a residence permit is a citizen.
When obtaining a residence permit, an applicant who is the manager of a company may incur additional costs associated with the services of lawyers, accountants, and notaries. State fees and charges amount to 3,000-4,000 Euro.
When opening an account in a number of banks, a deposit is required. Its size can range from an average of 1000 Euros.
Belgium is an ideal travel route for tourists from disadvantaged countries who often come to spend their holidays in Belgium. That is, from countries where a calm, measured, stable life is an unaffordable luxury even for very rich people. In Belgium you forget about the everyday hustle and bustle and stress, troubles, problems.
Most popular among tourists Antwerp. Here you should definitely visit the Rubens House Museum. Gorgeous Antwerp Zoo- one of the best in the world. Antwerp is a port city; a visit to its waterfront is highly recommended.
Holidays in Belgium are like a history lesson. The center of Brussels is similar to the centers of many ancient cities Western Europe. It has preserved many medieval buildings, such as the Gothic town hall (XV century) and the cathedral (XIII - XV centuries). The famous Mannequin Mannequin Statue of the Pissing Boy also stands here.
Official holidays and weekends in Belgium:
- January 1-2 - New Year.
- March 31-April 1 - Easter.
- May 1-2 - Spring and Labor Festival.
- May 9 - Ascension of the Lord.
- May 19 is Holy Trinity Day.
- May 20 - Spiritual Day.
- July 21 - King's Oath Day, National Remembrance Day.
- August 15 - Exaltation.
- September 27 is a national holiday.
- November 1 - All Saints' Day.
- November 15 is Royal Dynasty Day, a national holiday.
- December 25 - Christmas.
In addition, the country has many beautiful holidays with interesting national traditions, which are celebrated no less widely.
The Belgians are distinguished by their overflowing cheerfulness, innate love of life, sense of humor, as well as stubbornness and persistent reluctance to express their opinions directly to their faces, because fate throughout their history has forced them to be secretive and patient.
Belgium cannot be classified as a resort country, but it also has places to relax in nature. The most famous resort in Belgium is Spa, located in the east of the kingdom, near Liege. In the city, famous for its mineral water springs, in addition to balneological health centers, there is the “Museum of the City of Waters” and a gallery with works of artists depicting local landscapes.
Along the entire coast of the North Sea stretch sandy beaches length of about 70 km with the resorts Knokke, De Haan, Westende, Oostende. The swimming season lasts from mid-June to mid-September.
The most famous resort is Ostend(Oostende), its beaches and dunes are the ideal place to spend a hot day and a romantic evening. In the city aquarium you can look at the underwater world of the North Sea. In Ostend you can visit the sailing ship Mercator, on which all historical details have been preserved.
A little west of Ostenede there is another resort Flemish coast- Middelkerk. The northeasternmost town on the coast is a top-class resort - Knokke-Heist. It is known for its special beaches, pine groves, terraces and gardens, as well as golf courses, swimming pools and casinos.
Landscapes and wildlife are preserved in many nature reserves and national parks: Belcelles, Haut-Fan, Kalmthout, Shevton, St. Hubert and the bird sanctuary on the Zwin coast.
Ardennes offer many places to relax, for example surrounded by rocks with beautiful grottoes Dinant, above which rise the mysterious walls of the citadel. Reserve St. Hubert, where in the square near the Church of St. Gilles you seem to be in the times of the pilgrims. In winter it is a ski resort. In September, here, not far from the abbey, founded in the 7th century, the international Hunter's Day takes place (St. Hubert, the patron saint of hunting). The pride of Belgium is the large Ardennes forest on the border with Germany and Luxembourg. In the Ardennes you can find many holiday destinations surrounded by ancient castles and beautiful mountain landscapes.
The country is literally the center of historical monuments and architectural structures, many of which are scattered throughout almost the entire territory of Belgium. Every city in Belgium has ancient cathedrals or fortresses, castles or medieval guild buildings, preserving the memory of the wealth of medieval trading Flanders and the Walloon counties.
Brussels, the capital of ancient Brabant, is the cultural and political center of the country and the European Community. The Belgians call the old part of the city the “Pentagon”, as it is surrounded by circular boulevards built on the site of old defensive structures. Most city tours start from the capital's largest square, the Grand Place (Grotemarkt or Great Square), where the old town hall of the Hotel de Ville is located with the famous weather vane (15th century) depicting St. Michael slaying the dragon. Here Broadhus is also located with the Brussels City Museum and a whole block of ancient buildings, each of which has its own name.
Not far from the Grand Place, on Rue Etuve, there is the famous fountain, the “calling card of the city” - Mannequin Pis (“Pissing Boy”, 17th century) and the Palais des Nations (parliament). To the west of the Grand Place is the Bourse (1873), one of the most prestigious stages in Europe - the Monnet Opera, Place Rogier, the Church of St. Catherine on the square of the same name, surrounded by old houses of the 17th-18th centuries, as well as picturesque, always crowded by the people Central Boulevards. On the site of the old canal, just behind the Church of St. Catherine, there is a wonderful pedestrian area with the delightful Church of John the Baptist (17th century) and two small rectangular ponds surrounded by numerous fish restaurants.
One of the city's most famous historical landmarks is the Royal Galleries of St. Hubert between the Marché aux Herbes and Ecuyer streets. This is the first architectural complex in Europe with covered galleries (1847), today surrounded by dozens of art salons, cafes, restaurants and theaters. No less popular among city guests are the Cathedral of St. Michael (XIII-XVI centuries) and the “Classical Quarter”, on the territory of which there are such famous monuments as Palace Square with the Royal Palace and the Palace of Academies, Royal Square, the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary, Coquelberg the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, the Church of St. James and the huge Palace of Justice.
On the small Museum Square, indeed surrounded on all sides by museums, there is the palace of Charles of Lorraine and the famous “Proval” - an illuminated well in which part of the exhibits of the Museum of Modern Art is exhibited. To the south of the Place Royale are the quarters of the Grand and Petit Sablon, where it is worth visiting the Egmont Palace (18th century), the Minim Church (1715) and the beautiful Gothic church of Notre-Dame des Victoires du Sablon (16th century). .
Brussels Park, a former hunting park, is extremely famous. royal dynasty, and today - a classic park in the French style, containing several picturesque reservoirs on its territory, Royal Palace, the Palace of Justice, the headquarters of the Brussels Lambert bank, the Parliament complex (1780), the Park Theater and many beautiful landscaped areas.
In the south-eastern, business part of the city, the quarter of the Marie-Louise and Ambiorix squares, as well as the Soigne and Cambra forests, are interesting. Thousands of tourists are attracted by the Cambrai Abbey (XIII-XVIII centuries, today the National Geographic Institute and the Cambrai graduate School Fine Arts) in the Ixelles Ponds area, as well as the Cambras Square and the De Poche Theater.
In the north-east of Brussels, interesting are the Botanical Garden (1829), a number of beautiful neoclassical buildings on Rue Meridien and Place Quetelet, the Church of Sainte-Marie (1845), the ancient Malebek covered market (now the city concert hall is located here), the "Turkish area" between Rue Josephate and Rue Philomene, the churches of St. Mary and St. Henri, Park Joseph and many beautiful buildings descending the hill along Rue Eugene Demulder, Boulevard Lambermont and Avenue Houar-Amoire.
The western part of Brussels is famous for the Notre-Dame de Laiken church and the small Laiken cemetery - a real museum of cemetery art, the palace of Leopold II (XVIII century) with the unique Royal Orangeries (XIX century), the Bruparc ensemble, as well as the famous Atomium - enlarged in several million times a model of an iron molecule, around which is the Mini-Europe park (area - 2.5 hectares), where you can see all the famous cathedrals of the Old World - from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to Big Ben. The Oceanadium, a year-round tropical swimming pool, is located nearby.
In Anderlecht The Erasmus Museum of Rotterdam (16th century) on Chapitre Street, Birsel Castle (14th century), the royal castle of Gaasbeek, Astrid Park and the famous Constant Vanden Stock stadium attract attention.
Among the many museums in Brussels, the most interesting are the Royal Museum of Fine Arts with an extensive collection of masterpieces of world art from Rubens to Magritte, the Municipal Museum in the building of the Royal Palace (XVI-XVIII centuries), the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History, the private Automobile Museum in the "Cincentennial Park" ", Museum of Classical Art with a magnificent collection of Flemish artists, Museum of Modern Art, Instrumental Museum, Porcelain Museum in the Royal Greenhouses, Museum of the Belgian Dynasty, Royal Central African Museum (13 km east of the city), Wax Museum, Horta Museum, Royal Museum of History and Arts (one of the richest collections of Egyptian and ancient antiquities, Chinese and pre-Columbian art of America), the Menier Museum, the small museum of Ixelles, the Victoccan Book Museum, the Aeronautics Museum, the Museum of Musical Instruments (more than 6 thousand exhibits), the Cantillon brewery and etc.
Antwerp- the main city of the province of the same name and the second largest port in Europe, as well as the world's largest diamond cutting center. But there are also many cultural and antique monuments concentrated here - the Royal Museum of Art, the Mayer van den Bergh Museum ("Jewelry Museum") - one of the most interesting and rich museums in Antwerp, the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the Brabo Fountain (19th century), the Cathedral Our Lady, the churches of St. James and St. Charles Borromean, the royal castle of Gaasbeek, the oldest building in the city - the Sten fortress (now the Maritime Museum), the church of St. Charles and James, the Museum of Modern Art, the Middelheim Sculpture Museum, Museums of Folk Art and Ethnography, Museum "Dwelling of the Virgins", Museum of Folklore, Vleeshuis Museum (Museum of Archeology and applied arts), Opera and Flanders Ballet, Diamond Museum and the famous Antwerp Zoo. Also, thousands of tourists are attracted by the pedestrian street Hoogstraat, the house of the nobleman Rokoks (XVII century), the central square of the Grote Markt, the picturesque embankment and the South Terrace of the Scheldt and Linkerover (the left bank of the Scheldt, built according to the design of Corbusier).
For art lovers, Antwerp is primarily associated with the name of the great Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens lived in Antwerp most of his life. One of the main city shrines of Antwerp is Rubens's house. Rubens' works can be seen in the most famous Antwerp church - the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onse Live Vraukerk) and in many other churches in Antwerp, including the Church of St. Jacob, where the artist is buried.
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is the city's largest art gallery. It is based on paintings that once belonged to the guild of St. Luke - an association of artists founded in 1442. The Guild dissolved in 1773, after which the paintings by Rubens, Jordanes and other famous Dutch masters of the 16th-17th centuries that were in its possession were transferred to the museum. Part of the collection was taken from Antwerp during the French occupation of 1794-96, but after the fall of Napoleon it returned to the museum.
In 1841, thanks to the invaluable donation of the former burgomaster Florent van Ertborn, the museum’s collection was replenished with paintings by the so-called “Flemish primitivists” - representatives of the “golden age” of Dutch painting by van Eyck, van der Weyden, Hans Memling and works by other ancient masters, including the genius of the Italian Renaissance Antonello da Messina.
The museum also presents Belgian artists of the New Age, including the famous Rene Magritte.
Unlike most art galleries, the rooms of the Royal Museum are distinguished not by numbers, but by letters. Room Q houses paintings by the most revered masters of 15th-century Dutch painting. There you can see two masterpieces by Jan van Eyck and the famous triptych by Rogier van der Weyden “The Seven Sacraments”. In the next room, the visitor will admire the creations of Hans Memling. Another room will delight you with a wonderful collection of paintings by the famous 16th-century Antwerp artist. Quentin Massys (the Belgians call him Metsys), and fans of the magnificent 17th century will undoubtedly spend a lot of time in the halls of Rubens and Van Dyck.
In the Meir district there are many shopping establishments, as well as the ancient Royal Palace (XVIII century), the Borenbond tower - the first skyscraper in Belgium, the Bourse, the churches of St. James (XVII century) and St. Augustine, the beautiful rotunda of the Burla Theater and Schoonmarkt (old shoe market).
In the north of the old town, several old swimming pools and the Church of St. Paul are interesting. The southern quarter is famous for the beautiful Leopold-Waalplats and Marnixplats squares, the esplanade of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Flemish and Walloon embankments, literally bustling with cultural life. There are art galleries here, and the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Photography are located in an old grain warehouse on Levenstraat.
The city has a great variety of restaurants, bars, pubs, nightclubs and other entertainment venues. The “entertainment district” of Central Square and the railway station are especially popular.
On the outskirts of Antwerp, interesting are the modern cultural complex "Singel", the House of Guyette (designed by Corbusier) and the Borgerhout town hall with 47 bells on Morkensplein. There are two castles in Derne, one of which, Sterkhof, houses the Museum of Arts and Crafts, and one of the most beautiful parks in Belgium, famous for its ponds and centuries-old trees. In Middelheim Park there is an open-air museum, where landscape compositions and an entire exhibition of modern sculpture are spread out on a giant lawn. The ancient "Fort VII" (1860) was turned into a natural park-reserve inhabited by dozens of species of local flora and fauna.
City Lear famous for its astronomical clock, the ancient Zimmer Tower and the ring of fortifications from the 16th century. Nearby is the Kalmthout Nature Reserve (861 hectares), which protects a relict landscape of sand dunes ("lands") surrounded by heathland and pine forest.
Ghent, the capital of East Flanders, ranks first in the country for the number of magnificent ancient buildings.
Ghent is a real pearl of Flanders, and indeed of the whole of Belgium, which has carried through the centuries the atmosphere and charm of the Middle Ages. In the center of the city, buildings and streets from the time of the economic prosperity of Flanders have been preserved to this day, to which it owed much to Ghent - this proud and rebellious city. Unlike Bruges, which to this day remains a medieval museum city, Ghent lives and develops. It is the fourth most important city in Belgium (250 thousand inhabitants). It retains its economic importance for Flanders to this day. Thanks to important seaport, convenient location (in the center of the country), it was Ghent that became the venue for the regular holding of the well-known fair "Flanders Technology" (Flanders Technologies). The city is also home to the Belgian State University.
The heart of the city is the reservoir, from which the Veldstraat street branches off. One of the symbols of the city is also located here - the St. Michael's Bridge, spanning the Lys Canal, as well as the watchtower and Lakenhalle (indoor Cloth Market, 15th century) on the Belforstraat enfilade, as well as the picturesque embankments of Graslei and Korenlei, lined with medieval guild buildings. The oldest quarter of Ghent, preserved almost in its original state, Patershall, is built up with houses from the 16th-11th centuries, which today house restaurants, antique shops and other shopping establishments.
The main attractions of Ghent are the Cathedral of St. Bavo (XII century) with paintings by Van Eyck, the Church of St. Nicholas, the street of ancient houses of Grasley, the University Library Tower (64 m.), St. Peter's Abbey (XVII century) on the slopes " mountains "Blandeinberg, the main square of the city - Vrijdagmarkt ("Friday Market"), the Van der Mers Palace (XVIII century), the Royal Palace on Breidelstraat, surrounded by the magnificent houses of the aristocracy, the Town Hall on Hoogpoort, the old fortified Rabot lock, the castles of Count Philip ( XII century) and Gerard the Devil (XII century), Church of St. James, old "beguinage" ( convent Order of the Beguines) of St. Elizabeth around the church of the same name, the Church of St. Michael, Beilocke Abbey (XIV-XVIII centuries, now the Archaeological Museum is located here), the Museum of Modern Art with an extensive collection of “old Flemings” (XV-XVI centuries), festive hall and the old printing house "Voruit" and the austere building of the Opera on Brabantdam.
Those who like to wander through museums will also find a lot of interesting things here - the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Modern Art, the Folklore Museum in the building of the old Kinderen Alein hospice, as well as the pedestrian street Veldstraat, on which old houses and private mansions of the 18th century. interspersed with fashionable shops, as well as the banks of the Scheldt transformed into magnificent gardens. Very close to the city lie the castles of Laarne (XIII-XVII centuries), Ooidonk (XV-XVI centuries) and Vondelgem, intended to protect Ghent.
Bruges, the main city of West Flanders and famous medieval shopping mall, is a wonderful place to visit.
Thanks to its developed network of canals, Bruges is called the “Venice of the North,” although in reality there is quite little in common between the Italian and Belgian cities. Venice was built on islands in the lagoon of the Adriatic Sea. And Bruges is located deeper inland, at least for now - as scientists believe that sometime in the 5th century BC the coast of Flanders was repeatedly flooded by the North Sea. When the sea receded, it left behind numerous branches through which ships could reach the place where Bruges is located.
In the Middle Ages, during the "Golden Age" of Bruges, the route from the sea to the city was regularly widened and cleared so that large merchant ships could bring their cargo here. But starting from the 12th century, most of the cargo was left in satellite towns - Damme and Sluz, two small medieval towns that exist to this day, where special excursions are organized.
Inside the city, at the base of the Reie River, a whole network of canals was created that allowed merchants to deliver their goods to the huge building of the Water Halls in the main market.
Nowadays excursions are organized along the canals of Bruges on boats that vaguely resemble Venetian galleys. Moreover, the honorable right to conduct these excursions belongs only to four dynasties of carriers, each of which has its own boats.
The richest and most interesting part of the city is located between the station, the Main Square and the market. Interesting are the City Museum of Fine Arts (the famous Groninge Museum) and the Hans Memling Museum in the building of the Sint-Jans hospital, the old market square with buildings of the 13th century and a magnificent 83-meter watchtower (XIII-XV centuries), the large pedestrian Zand square, St. Salvator (XII-XIII centuries) with an extensive Cathedral Museum, the Gothic Church of Our Lady (122 m in height, XIV-XV centuries), Beguinage (XIII century) with Lake Minnewater ("lake of love"), the Church of St. James, St. Walpurgis, St. Anne, St. Giles and Jerusalem, Gruthuse Palace on Deiver Street, the Gothic ensemble of the Cloth Hall, the ancient city gates of Jeselpoort, Gentpoort and Smedenpoort, the Basilica of the Blood of Christ (15th century) and the Monastery of Angels, the city hall (XIV century), the Palace of Justice (Palace of the Union of Bruges) and the Basilica of Saint-Saens on Burg Square.
The official name of the Groninge Museum is the City Museum of Fine Arts. However, its second name is much more popular - the Groninge Museum, associated not only with the nearby Groninge Straat - Groninge street, but also with the Groninge fields in the Belgian town of Kortrijk (Courtreux), where on July 11, 1302 the Flemish civil uprising utterly defeated the brilliant cavalry French king. The victory in this battle, which later became known as the “Battle of the Golden Spurs” (700 golden spurs of the French knights were hung as trophies in the Cathedral of Courtrai), is still a source of national pride for the Flemings.
From the 18th century, when the collection of the city museum began to take shape, to the present day, the museum's curators deliberately limit themselves to collecting paintings only by those artists who lived and worked in Bruges. Once the largest Flemish trading city, the residence of the court of the Dukes of Burgundy, Bruges can afford such luxury: in the 15th century, it was there that the artistic center of the Dutch school of painting, which is now called “Flemish primitivists” in the West, turned out to be.
The artists belonging to it are not as well known to Russian art lovers as, for example, the masters of the Italian Renaissance or French classicism, but in their skill and innovation, strict detailing combined with spirituality, this school is incomparable.
Its first and greatest representative is Jan van Eyck (legend attributes to him the invention of oil paints). In the Groninge Museum there are two of his paintings: a portrait of the artist’s wife, Margaretha van Eyck, and the famous “Madonna of Canon van der Paele”. The canon himself, who commissioned the painting, is traditionally depicted in the painting in the venerable company of the Mother of God herself, as well as St. Domitian and St. George.
Every detail in this picture is a true miracle, be it the inlaid floor, the multi-colored velvet carpet at the feet of the Madonna, the chain mail of St. George, where it is not so much the metal itself that is conveyed, but the glare of light on it.
Another great artist of the Dutch school of the 15th century is Hans Memling. In the museum you can see only one of his works - the altar of St. Christopher. But a few tens of meters from the Groninge Museum, in the chapel of the former hospital of St. John, now houses the Memling Museum, which houses six of his works created specifically for the hospital.
Among the masters of the "golden age" of Dutch painting presented in the Groninge Museum, Gerard David and Hugo van der Goes should also be mentioned. But it would be a big mistake to get carried away by big names and neglect the anonymous artists of Bruges of the 15th century - the level of the Dutch school of painting was so high in this era.
The art of the "Flemish primitivists" is without a doubt the most valuable part of the Groninge collection. However, a true connoisseur of painting will not be limited to it and will be rewarded with works of the Baroque and Classical eras, as well as an interesting collection of the Belgian school of the 20th century - both the expressionists of the beginning of the century and the artists of the “Cobra movement” of the second half.
Unique historical heritage sites include the Lace Making Center, the still operating St. Janus Mill (1770), as well as 80 bridges over picturesque canals and more than 2 thousand other attractions of the city.
"Hot city" Liege is the largest and one of the most ancient cities in Wallonia. Here, first of all, you should visit St. Lambert Square, the Palace of the Prince-Bishops, the Museum of Walloon Life and the Museum of Walloon Art, see the Town Hall and the Church of St. James, as well as the ancient symbol of the city's independence - the Perron (a fountain and a column with four lions ), which is located on the Marchais market square.
No less interesting are the Church of St. Antoine, the Baroque Church of the Atonement, the ancient monastery of Frere-Miners with many interesting museums, the Le Temple courtyard and the picturesque Dead Ends, the “Liège miracle” - baptismal fonts with biblical scenes in the Church of St. Bartholomew (XII century) , the Church of St. Servais (XIII century), a large noisy crowd on the Bath embankment, St. Leonard's Bridge with the white and red house of Curtius, the Church of Saint-Denis (XV century), St. Paul's Cathedral on Vinav-d Square" Ile with the famous statue of the "Virgin of Delcourt" and the oldest passage in Belgium Lemonnier (1839). It is worth visiting Place Isère with the building of the Theater De la Place, the famous Diver circus in the En-Routure lane, the Franais bridge, the Parc d'Avroy , the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament on the hill of St. Martin with 12 medallions of Jean Delcourt, the Glass Museum (more than 9,000 exhibits), the Museum of Religious and Mozan Art, the Museum of Arms, the Ansembourg Museum, the Aquarium and Zoological Museum, the Chancha Puppet Museum and dozens of other historical monuments .
For five centuries former capital The Spanish Netherlands and Beethoven's birthplace - Mechelen (Malines), is famous for its bells and architecture. Of interest here are one of the oldest buildings in the city - Schepenhuis (1374), Town Hall (XV-XVI centuries), St. Rombout Cathedral, Margaret of Austria's Palace - Palace of Justice (XVI century), Royal Lyceum, Baroque Church of St. Peter , the palace of Margaret of York (now the city theatre), the Church of St. John, which houses the famous triptych by Rubens "The Adoration of the Magi", the Bishopric and Abbey of Saint-Tron, medieval shipyards, the Church of Our Lady of Hanswijk (1663), the Grand Beguinage with its beautiful church of the 17th century, City Museum (Busleiden family museum, 1500), Museum of Toys and Folklore, Museum of Traditional Crafts, etc.
One of the leading tourist centers in Belgium is the town of Waterloo, the site of the famous battle between Napoleon's army and Wellington's troops. All the city's attractions are dedicated to this event - Napoleon's headquarters, the Wellington Museum, Lion's Hill with the Visitor Center, Panorama, the Wax Museum and the Church of St. Joseph. No less interesting are the "city of churches" of Tournai, ancient Mons, medieval Binche, in which now they hold the famous Carnival, the birthplace of the Carolingian dynasty - Charleroi, the capital of Tudinia, the land of ancient abbeys - Thuen, the most Old city countries - Tongeren, "which had already seen Julius Caesar" Namur, "the tin capital of the country" - Huy, the famous balneological resort of Spa, the first capital of the Duchy of Brabant - Leuven, the old capital of imperial Flanders - Aalst, "the city of discarded cats" Ypres, "Texas of Flanders" - Kortrijk and many other equally charming places.
The pride of the country - Great Ardennes Forest on the border with Germany and Luxembourg, where travelers will find Neptune's grotto half an hour's drive south of Charleroi, the Arabian Nights grotto near La Roche, the rock of the Dinant citadel and many others scenic spots, where, surrounded by almost virgin nature, you can also find ancient monasteries
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Description of the country
The main wealth of Belgium is its cultural heritage: beautiful paintings by great artists, ancient castles of world significance, luxurious varieties of chocolate and a huge variety of beers. Belgium is a country where the cultures of northern Flemish and southern Walloon merge. The north and south speak different languages and are skeptical of each other's cultural heritage, which does not prevent Beligia from being a diverse country. Perhaps no other country in Europe hosts as many holidays as Belgium. The busiest months for holidays in Brussels are July and August. The festive carnival also marks the arrival of spring.
Geography
Lost between the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and France, Belgium is one of Mother Europe's tiny countries. The north of the country is composed of rolling plains, the south is dominated by the picturesque Ardennes, and the coastline of the North Sea is completely captured by fashionable resorts. And below, Belgium is crisscrossed by a network of water canals.
Time
It is 2 hours behind Moscow.
Climate
The territory of Belgium is located in the temperate zone. The strong influence of Atlantic sea air masses determines the oceanic climate, characterized by moderate temperatures. Sometimes winter can give you dry cold and sun, but this weather always alternates with rainy and foggy periods. In summer, sunny weather is not guaranteed, but it can be hot. Even within such a small country, climate fluctuations are noticeable: between the very temperate coast and the Ardennes heights, the temperature difference is constantly within 5°C. The rainiest months are April and November. Even in summer, it is worth taking with you, in addition to an umbrella, a light raincoat. If you go traveling in winter, warm clothes will not hurt: despite the usual zero temperature in January, dry frost can strike. Belgium has cool summers and fairly mild winters.
Language
Official languages: Dutch, French, German.
Religion
The Belgian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The majority of believers are Catholics. Islam, Protestantism, Judaism, Anglicanism, and Orthodoxy are also officially recognized.
Population
Belgium has a population of approximately 10,584,534 as of January 2007. Brussels has a population of 1,018,804 people in 19 metropolitan district municipalities, two of which have more than 100,000 inhabitants.
The two main groups that make up the country's population are the Flemings (about 60% of the population) and the Walloons (about 40% of the population). The Flemings live in the five northern provinces of Belgium (see Flanders) and speak the Dutch language and its many dialects (see Flemish). The Walloons live in the five southern provinces that make up Wallonia and speak French, Walloon and several other languages. After independence, Belgium was a French-oriented state, and the only official language at first was French, although the Flemings always formed the majority of the population. Even in Flanders it's French for a long time remained the only language of secondary and higher education.
Electricity
Electricity - 220 V, 50 Hz, plugs with two round pins.
Emergency numbers
Police - 101.
Rescue and ambulance service - 100.
Russian Embassy in Belgium tel.: (32-2)374-3400, 374-5738, 374-6886, 374-2613
Connection
In order to call Brussels from Russia, you need to dial 8-10-32-2 - the subscriber number. 32 is the telephone code for Belgium, 2 is the code for Brussels. The cost of 1 minute of call on weekdays from 8 to 20 o'clock is 15 rubles, at night from 20 to 8 o'clock - 10 rubles. (Prices are the same for Moscow and St. Petersburg).
Currency exchange
The currency of Belgium is Belgian francs. One US dollar is equal to approximately 30 Belgian francs. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9.00-9.30 to 16.00-17.00 with an hour lunch break, as well as in the evening until 18.00 once a week (each bank has its own day). Many currency exchange offices are open until 21.00-22.00, as well as on weekends. You can exchange currency at any bank, hotel, airport or train station (an additional tax is charged, the rate is less favorable at night), as well as at private exchange offices (the rate is less favorable and commissions are higher).
Visa
To enter the Benelux countries you need a Schengen visa. The visa processing period is from four working days.
Customs regulations
You can import into Belgium duty-free up to 250 milliliters of eau de toilette or 50 milliliters of perfume, 1 camera and 12 films, 1 video camera and 6 films. The amount of duty-free import of souvenirs, fuel, wine and other goods is up to 430 euros for those traveling by plane and by sea; up to 300 euros - by land. You are allowed to import duty-free no more than 40 cigarettes (or 10 cigars, or 20 cigarillos, or 50 g of tobacco), no more than 0.5 liters of drinks with a strength of up to 22% or higher, as well as still wines, and no more than 2 liters of beer.
Holidays and non-working days
Belgium has many beautiful holidays with interesting national traditions. For example, the procession of the Holy Blood of Christ in Bruges. Every two years, the Belgians spread a carpet of flowers on the central square of Brussels. This fall, in September, this cobblestone square was covered with a layer of soil, many bright flowers were planted in it, which created a complex, intricate ornament - a spectacle that invariably attracts the attention of tourists. This year, in Malin - the city of bells and "raspberry ringing" - there will also be a procession of the Holy Virgin Mary. This theatrical performance with scenes from the Bible is dedicated to the 2000th anniversary of the Nativity of Christ. July 11: Battle of the Golden Spurs
July 21: Leopold I takes the oath of office. At 23.00 - fireworks on the roof of the Academy Palace.
27 September: Belgian Revolution
29 June to 1 July: Brussels remembers the lavish celebrations held in honor of Charles V in 1549. Ommengang was once a civil and religious procession, consisting of representatives of all walks of life. Nowadays it is one of the social events, since the actors are members of famous families of the city. July 20: Ghent festivities. Lasts a week.
Queen Elizabeth Music Competition. Arranged according to nominations - violin, piano and vocals. In spring, Brussels turns into a city of music lovers.
Europalia Festival. This is an interdisciplinary festival that presents the culture of one specific nation each fall.
Transport
Transport in Belgium is cheap and with a high level of comfort, which somewhat compensates for the rather expensive and largely unjustifiably inflated housing prices. Despite the huge bus network, renting a car is the best option for traveling around Belgium. The whole country is covered by the railway, the structure of which is very well thought out and efficient. The fastest transport is intercity trains, followed by interregional ones and then local ones. IN big cities, such as Brussels and Antwerp, there is a metro and other types of public transport, including trams, etc. Taxis, which crowd around all central bus stations and airports, are expensive and operate exclusively on a meter. Cycling is popular on the plains of the northern part of the country, and most roads have additional lanes for cyclists. On railway stations There are bicycle rental points. You can also hire a boat to travel along the rivers and canals.
Tips
Tips are officially included in all bills, but in cafes and restaurants you can leave 5-10% of the bill amount for service.
The shops
By making purchases in Belgian stores marked with the Tax Free sign and receiving a special receipt, upon departure you can get back ~ 13% of the cost of the goods (for purchases of at least 125 euros).
National cuisine
Belgians love to eat well. The country has an abundance of restaurants, from the most luxurious to those accessible to the general public, where you can taste the best national dishes. Typically Belgian dishes can be complemented by French cuisine. A lot of cheeses are made in Belgium and sold in markets. a large number of varieties of homemade cheese. The national drink is beer, of which there are more than 300 varieties. Among them there is beer with the addition of cherry and raspberry juice. Chocolate is also popular in Belgium, traditionally produced here for many years. The country has a huge number of restaurants to suit all tastes and all budgets. At the same time, the number of bistros and cheap eateries is quite small. The most inexpensive way to “get a bite” is through numerous cafes (in Flanders they are called “eetcafe”), each with its own cuisine, often quite sophisticated, but inexpensive. At home and even in a restaurant, Belgians most often do not order a full meal, but eat quite simply, but a lot.
Attractions
Atomium- This is a model of the iron molecule, enlarged 165 billion times, built for the 1958 World Exhibition, one of the attractions of Brussels. The Atomium is a symbol of Belgium. Take the elevator to a height of 122 meters and you will be treated to a panoramic view of Brussels. The Mini Europe park near the Atomium houses a grand collection of 1:25 scale models of more than 300 famous buildings and landmarks from 15 EU countries, including Big Ben and Vesuvius. From mid-July to mid-August, the models displayed in the park are illuminated until 11 pm on Fridays and weekend evenings.
Time of laying the Cathedral Cathedral of St. Rombout in Mechelen is shrouded in mystery. It is reliably known that the abbey in the city was founded in the 8th century by the Irish monk Rombout, who traveled throughout Europe with the goal of converting peoples to Christianity. He was canonized after his martyrdom. The decoration of the cathedral is the unfinished western tower, built between 1452 and 1578 according to the drawings of Vatier Cullmans. Judging by the plans for the unfinished building, the tower was supposed to be crowned with a slender spire, rising to a height of 164 meters. The existing tower is 96 meters high, and the absence of a spire does not make it any less harmonious. Each element of the tower emphasizes its verticality and serves to create the impression of power and lightness at the same time, which gave rise to Vauban, the remarkable inventor military equipment at Louis XIV, call the tower the eighth wonder of the world.
Stavelot Abbey(XVI - XVII centuries) was once the center of monastic culture. Now it houses the town hall and two museums. The treasury of the Church of St. Sebastian, 18th century, contains a silver reliquary with the relics of Blessed Remaclus (13th century), decorated with gilding and enamel.
Itta, the widow of Pepin the Long, founded here around 650 together with her daughter, St. Gertrude, monastery. Parish Church of St. Gertrude The 11th century is an excellent example of the Ottonian Romanesque style of architecture. The monumental building with a main nave 102 meters long, two transverse naves and two choirs has a heavily rebuilt Romanesque west portal with a tower. Above the western choir is the imperial hall with three majestic domes, and under the eastern choir there is a crypt with a cross vault and the remains of five former churches. The tomb of St. Gertrude is also located here.
Zutleuv is a fabulously picturesque town, and St Leonard's Church- his pearl. This church, from the 13th to the 16th centuries, is the only church in Belgium that survived the pogroms of the iconoclasts and the storms of the French Revolution.
Manneken-Pis (Manneken Pis) is considered one of the main attractions of Brussels.. This figurine, stolen and restored more than once, originated in the 17th century and serves as the embodiment of the rebellious spirit of the Brussels burghers. Mannequin Piece became a legendary Brussels character, a hero whose fame spread beyond the country.
Museum of Natural Sciences located near the European Parliament, contains one of the best collections of dinosaur skeletons in the world. The highlight of the collection is the skeletons of 14 iguanodons, found in 1878 in the Bernissart coal mines - believed to be about 120 million years old. There are also exhibitions of mammals, insects, tropical shells and a whale gallery. This stunning museum additionally features a special exhibit on the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Royal Museum fine arts - one of the most important museum complexes in Belgium is located near the Royal Square. It unites two of the richest museums, with collections from the 14th century to the present day - the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art, opened in 1984. The Museum of Ancient Art is famous for its collection of Old Masters, with works by Rubens, Bouts and Memling, and small collections of Bruegel the Elder and Younger. The transition will take you to the Museum of Modern Art, with its remarkable collection of Belgian surrealists. Works by Picasso, Chagall and Henry Moore are on display here.
City Museum- the neo-Gothic House of the King - which, contrary to its name, was never the home of a king. The museum contains diverse collections dedicated to the art and history of Brussels. On the ground floor you can enjoy 16th and 17th century tapestries, porcelain, silver and stone sculptures. Once you climb the beautiful wooden staircase, you will be immersed in the history of Brussels through old maps, engravings and photographs. Among the most fascinating exhibitions are old paintings and modern reconstructions of the historical city center. The museum's exhibition also includes more than 650 costumes for the famous Mannequin Piece statue.
Bouillon Castle- the oldest and most interesting of the medieval castles of Belgium from the 9th century. Its owner, Godfrey of Bouillon-V and the last of the line of the Dukes of Arden, sold the castle in order to use this money to head the first crusade to Jerusalem in 1096. Bouillon Castle is located in a small town of the same name in the Semois valley. The castle is one of the picturesque places in Belgium. In January the castle is open only on weekends, in other months - every day. Napoleon III stayed here after his defeat at the Battle of Sedan. From the observation deck of the castle there is an amazing panorama of the bend of the Semois River and the town.
Castle Spontin, the oldest of Belgium's castles, is located in a valley, on an island, in the middle of the leisurely Bock River. This medieval castle was built from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Experts consider it an example of fortress architecture; using its example, you can get acquainted with changes in building styles - from early Gothic to the mature Renaissance.
Grand Place- the most beautiful square in the world, the heart of Brussels since the Middle Ages. The development of the Grand Place began in 1402 with the building of the Hôtel de Ville, which occupies most of its side of the square and was largely completed in 1480. The original tower, 91 meters high, was built from 1449 to 1455. Its spire is topped with a weather vane in the shape of a five-meter copper figure of the Archangel Michael trampling the devil. On the façade of the building there are more than a hundred statues, these are copies of ancient originals made in the last century. The interiors are richly decorated with Brussels wall hangings and paintings. The two fountains in the courtyard symbolize the two main rivers of Belgium - the Scheldt and the Meuse.
Resorts
A trip to Belgium for a tourist begins, first of all, with Brussels- cultural and political center countries. Avenues and boulevards, the medieval center, old quarters, palaces and monuments, cozy cafes and along with this the glass and concrete of administrative buildings - all this is Brussels.
Bruges- one of the most wonderful cities in West Flanders and Europe. This is a city of canals, reflecting houses with tiled roofs and quaint bridges.
Main city of East Flanders Ghent no less than Bruges, it is the object of close attention of tourists. Nowhere in Belgium are there so many magnificent old buildings.
Belgium's largest port and world diamond hub, home to 70% of the world's diamond processing industry, Antwerp famous not only for this. The concentration of cultural and antique monuments is not inferior to other famous cities in Belgium.
Liege- most Big city Wallonia with a thousand-year history. The center of Liege is a unique architectural reserve and one of the largest pedestrian zones in Europe, 3 km long.
Brussels 22:55 2°C
It's clear
Country population 10,403,000 people Territory 30,510 sq. km Part of the world Europe Capital of Belgium Brussels Money Euro (EUR) Domain zone.be Country telephone code +32
Hotels
Belgium is home to the world's largest chains of five-star hotels and small private establishments that allow you to fully experience the local flavor. A wide selection of rooms and services allows you to choose the right option for any budget. Luxurious, fashionable hotels such as Metropole, Hilton, Royal Windso and Marriott coexist with modest 3-star establishments Queen Anne, Brugotel, Leonardo Hotel Antwerpen and many others. Belgian chateaus deserve special attention - ancient country houses of aristocrats, converted into hotels and restaurants.
Climate:: Moderate, mild winters, cool summers, rainy, humid, cloudy weather
Attractions
Literally every city in Belgium is rich in attractions, mainly architectural masterpieces, museums, fortresses and cathedrals. The symbol of Brussels is the Atonium, a significantly enlarged iron crystal, as well as the Mini-Europe miniature park located nearby. Brussels is also home to the famous Manneken Pis statue.
In Antwerp, the Flemish Opera, the zoo, the Walls Castle and the Rubens House are noteworthy. Ghent attracts tourists with its castles of Gerard the Devil and the Counts of Flanders, the cathedrals of St. Bavo and St. Nicholas. In Bruges there is one of the few works by Michelangelo that was taken outside of Italy - the statue of the Virgin and Child.
Clothes are treated with great disdain. They can easily throw their jacket on the ground or walk around in torn and dirty clothes.
Terrain: Flat coastal plains to the northwest, hills in the center, rocky mountains and the Ardennes forest to the south.
Leisure
For entertainment, Belgium offers not only visits to local attractions, but also various entertainment events: incendiary parties in clubs and performances by show stars, visits to the Royal Theater and art exhibitions. The country hosts many holidays and festivals: Jazz Middelheim, fireworks, caricature and photography festivals, a sandcastle and old car competition, an Art Fair and Bell Concert, religious processions Feast of the Sacred Blood and Hanswijk. Beer lovers will find many colorful bars where you can taste more than 500 types of beer.
Resources:: Construction materials, quartz sand, carbonates.
Museums
Fans of unusual museums around the world should definitely visit the cities of Brussels and Bruges, where, in addition to many historical and art museums, there are unique objects: the Comic Book Museum and the Beer Museum. In Belgium, one of the most frequently visited museums is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts and the Diamond Museum in Antwerp. In addition, there is a maritime museum in Antwerp. It displays many exhibits of sunken ships. Ghent houses museums of the history of medicine, modern art, decorative arts, folklore and an archaeological museum.
At home no one takes off their shoes, not even their boots. They will sit and sweat, but will not take it off.
Money: Along with francs, Belges were in circulation for some time, which could be exchanged for gold bars until 1935. Before the latest, global changes in the Belgian currency, from 100 to 10,000 francs were in use, on the obverse of which there were portraits of artists, inventors and politicians. Since 2002, the national currency of Belgium has become the universally recognized euro currency.
Resorts
Belgium's most famous summer resort is seaside Ostend, with golden beaches, yacht clubs and an open-air city aquarium with a rich underwater world. A little further west, among the dunes, is Middelkerk, where you can play golf or go sand surfing.
Brussels and Cookside are the best places for families with children, with a variety of attractions and amusement parks. The historic Spa resort is famous for its hot springs. The ski resorts of Belgium are also very popular. One of them is Baraque de Frature, which attracts with its wide, gentle slopes. The largest diving centers are located in Bruges and Mechelen.
Transport
The main urban transport in Belgium are buses and trams. In addition, Brussels has three metro lines. The entire territory of the country is densely covered with a network railways, the main transportation of which is carried out by fast trains. The main railway hub is Brussels, which has three main stations. More than 2 thousand km waterways are used primarily for commercial purposes. The largest trading ports are Antwerp and Bruges. International passenger transportation is carried out by bus and plane. Major international airports are located in Brussels and Antwerp, and tourist charters serve Liege and Ostend-Bruges.
Belgian women are very scary. And those who seem to be not very scary try to seem scary and dress even worse. If you meet a beautiful girl on the street, then she is either Turkish or ours.
Standard of living
Basic indicators of the well-being of Belgians are quite high, which puts Belgium in eighth place in the world among countries with the most favorable standard of living. Despite high taxes in the country, the average resident of Belgium allows himself to have his own home, car, as well as travel regularly and get a decent education. Wage for a resident of Belgium is more than 26 thousand US dollars per year. Life expectancy in the country is 81 years. According to surveys, 83% of the country's residents most often experience positive emotions and satisfaction with their lives.
Cities
The capital of Belgium is Brussels. The city is best known in the world for the location of the headquarters of the European Union and the headquarters of NATO.
The second largest city of Antwerp, which is the largest port in Europe and the fashion and trade capital of Belgium.
Ghent is rightfully considered large training center Belgium, and Liege is the main cargo center for air and sea transport.
Belgium is not essentially a tourist country, but many come here to admire architectural monuments Middle Ages. The most attractive city for tourists, Bruges, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Population
Coordinates
Brussels Capital Region 50.85045 x 4.34878 Antwerp Flanders 51.21989 x 4.40346 Flanders Charleroi Wallonia 50.41136 x 4.44448 Wallonia 50.63373 x 5.56749 Flanders 51.20892 x 3.22424 Wallonia 50.4669 x 4.86746 Flanders 50.87959 x 4.70093 Wallonia 50.45413 x 3.95229 Flanders
