Official name: Kingdom of Belgium
Capital: Brussels
Population 10,274,595 (July 2002 est.)
Languages Dutch 60%, French 40%, German less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch
and French)
Time Zone: GMT+1hr in winter and GMT+2 in summer
Independence 4 October 1830 a provisional government declared independence from
the Netherlands; 21 July 1831 the ascension of King Leopold I to the throne
National holiday Independence Day, 21 July (1831)
Currency euro (EUR)
Summer Temp: 13º C / 21º C
Winter Temp: 0º C /6º C
Ethnic groups Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%
Religions Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
Location Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between France
and the Netherlands
Area
total: 30,510 sq km
land: 30,230 sq km
water: 280 sq km
Land boundaries
total: 1,385 km
border countries: France 620 km, Germany 167 km, Luxembourg 148 km, Netherlands
450 km
Coastline 66 km
Climate temperate; mild winters, cool summers; rainy, humid, cloudy
Terrain flat coastal plains in northwest, central rolling hills, rugged mountains
of Ardennes Forest in southeast
Elevation extremes
lowest: North Sea 0 m
highest: Signal de Botrange 694 m
Natural resources coal, natural gas
Natural hazards flooding is a threat in areas of reclaimed coastal land, protected from the sea by concrete dikes
Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830 and was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy.
Art
Museums
Belgium has a large variety of museums and temporary expositions. Some of the
most impressive museums in Belgium are The Royal Museum for Fine Arts, in Antwerpen,
which has an admirable collection of works by Peter Paul Rubens, the Groeningemuseum
in Bruges, with the Flemish Primitives, and The Royal Museum of Fine Arts of
Belgium in Brussels, which has a cinema, a concert hall, and artworks of many
periods, including a large René Magritte collection.
Furthermore, the Plantin-Moretus museum in Antwerp, a world heritage site, is
the complete factory of the largest publishing house of the seventeenth century.
Literature
Belgian literature as such does not exist. Flemish share their authors with
the Dutch and French-speakers with the French, which tend to confuse people
on Belgian authors' nationality. Moreover, several great French authors went
to Belgium for refuge (e.g. Apollinaire, Baudelaire, Rimbaud, Verlaine) and
conversely, top French-speaking writers often settle in Paris (e.g. Amélie
Nothomb). It is also sometimes difficult to cast Belgian authors into the French
or Flemish category because many Flemish authors have written in French and
spent a large part of their lifes outside of Flanders or of Belgium (e.g. Emile
Verhaeren or Maurice Maeterlinck). The confusion is also enhanced by the fact
that many French-speaking individuals are coming from originally Dutch-speaking
families (particularly in Brussels, e.g. Jacques Brel).
Comics
Belgium has numerous well-known cartoonists, such as Hergé (The Adventures
of Tintin), Peyo (The Smurfs), Franquin (Spirou et Fantasio, Marsupilami, Gaston),
Willy Vandersteen (Spike and Suzy), Morris (Lucky Luke), Edgar P. Jacobs (Blake
and Mortimer) and Marc Sleen (Nero)
More recently, Jean Van Hamme (XIII, Largo Winch, Thorgal, etc.), Raoul Cauvin
(Les Tuniques Bleues, Agent 212), François Schuiten and Benoît
Peeters (Les Cités Obscures) are among the most read cartoonists.
Belgium is home to some of the most important European comics magazines and
publishers, with Dupuis (Spirou magazine), Le Lombard (Tintin magazine) and
Casterman.
Music
Many important classical composers were born in Belgium. The most famous
is undoubtedly César Franck but Henri Vieuxtemps, Eugène Ysaÿe,
Guillaume Lekeu and Wim Mertens are also noteworthy.
Well-known singers include pioneer Bobbejaan Schoepen, Jacques Brel, Johnny
Hallyday (before he became French), Arno, and Maurane.
Belgium has a very active jazz scene that is achieving international recognition
with bands like Aka Moon, Maak's Spirit and Octurn. Guitarists Toots Thielemans
and Philip Catherine are probably the best known Belgian jazz musicians.
Hooverphonic, formed in the mid-1990s, is a Belgian pop / trip hop band that
achieved international recognition through their inclusion on the soundtrack
Bernardo Bertolucci's 1996 film Io Ballo da Sola (English: Stealing Beauty).
Other popular Belgian pop music comes from Axelle Red, Vaya Con Dios, and K's
Choice.
Belgium has also influenced electronic music with a.o. Front 242, Praga Khan
(also known as Lords of Acid) and 2 Many DJ's, and rock music with dEUS.
Belgian hip-hop started with the rise of Starflam, CNN (a Brussels-based crew)
and 't Hof van Commerce in the mid 1990s.
Architecture
There are still many old monuments visible in Belgium, like the romanesque Collégiale
Saint-Gertrude de Nivelles (1046) and Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Tournai,
gothic Antwerp cathedral (15th century) and baroque Brussels Grand' Place. Famous
Art Nouveau architects Victor Horta and Henry Van de Velde have influenced the
early 20th century architecture in Belgium and abroad.
Cinematography
Belgium cinema has already been rewarded several times at Cannes Film Festival
(Benoit Poelvoorde, Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, etc.) and in other less-known
festivals. Belgian movies are generally made with small budget.
Gastronomy
Good cooking and fine beers are seen by many as part of Belgian culture. The
beer with the most prestige is that of the Trappist monks. Technically, it is
an ale and traditionally each abbey's beer is served in its own glass (the forms,
heights and widths are different). There are only seven breweries (six of them
are Belgian) that are allowed to brew Trappist beer.
Although Belgian gastronomy does not really exist (it is connected to French
cuisine), some recipes were invented there as e.g. french fries (which were
named so by American soldiers during World War I), carbonnades flamandes (a
beef stew with beer, mustard and laurel), speculaas (a sort of cookie), Belgian
waffles, waterzooi (a broth made with chicken or fish, cream and vegetables),
endive with bechamel sauce, Brussels sprouts, Belgium praline and Paling In
't Groen (eels in a green sauce).
Belgian cookies are noted for their aroma and unique texture.
Sport
The most popular sport in Belgium is football (soccer). The Belgian First Division
is one of the older leagues in the world. Belgium used to be on top of world
football in the 1970s and 1980s when the Belgium national football team (also
known as the Red Devils) finished 2nd at the 1980 European Football Championship,
3rd at the 1972 European Football Championship and most remarkably 4th at the
1986 FIFA World Cup, while Belgian clubs Anderlecht and KV Mechelen won several
European cup finals.
Belgium has also performed well in cycling (Eddy Merckx, known as The cannibal
is one of the best cyclists ever, Roger De Vlaeminck, Johan Museeuw and Tom
Boonen) and is the last years almost unbeaten in cyclo-cross (Sven Nys, Bart
Wellens, Erwin Vervecken), motocross (Stefan Everts and Joël Smets), and
female tennis (Justine Henin-Hardenne and Kim Clijsters). Other important sports
in which Belgians excel are judo (Robert Vandewalle, Ingrid Berghmans and Ulla
Werbrouck), table tennis (Jean-Michel Saive), swimming (Frederik Deburghgraeve
and Brigitte Becue) and running (Ivo Van Damme and Kim Gevaert).
Belgium is the site of some famous Spring Classics, a series of road cycling
races ran in the spring season. Roughly speaking, there are two types of such
races: the Flemish ones and the Walloon ones. The Flemish ones are characterized
by cobblestones or "pave", and the Walloon ones are characterized
by rolling hills. Examples of the Flemish races include the Tour of Flanders
and Omloop "Het Volk". Examples of the Walloon races include Liège-Bastogne-Liège
and La Flèche Wallonne. Regional loyalties are often found in full display
at these races. Belgium is also the dominant country in cyclocross, and has
produced a few MTB champions.
Folklore
Festivals play a major role in Belgium's cultural life. Nearly every city and
town has its own festival, some that date back several centuries. And these
aren't just tricks for tourism, but real, authentic celebrations that take months
to prepare. Two of the biggest festivals are the three-day carnival at Binche,
near Mons, held just before Lent (the 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter),
and the Procession of the Holy Blood, held in Bruges in May. During the carnival
in Binche, "Gilles" lead the procession, which are men dressed in
high, plumed hats and bright costumes. Several of these festivals include sporting
competitions, such as cycling, and many of these festivals fall under the category
of kermesse.
An important holiday (which is however not an official public holiday) takes
place each year on December 6. This is Sinterklaasdag in Dutch or la Saint-Nicolas
in French. This is sort of an early Christmas. On December 5 evening before
going to bed, kids put their shoes by the hearth with some water or wine and
a carrot for Saint Nicholas's horse or donkey. Supposedly St. Nicholas then
comes at night and travels down the chimney. He then takes the food and water
or wine, puts down presents, goes back up, feeds his horse or donkey, and continues
his course. He also knows whether kids have been good or bad. This holiday is
especially loved by children in Belgium and the Netherlands. Dutch immigrants
imported the tradition into the United States, where Saint Nicholas is now known
as Santa Claus.
Getting There
Belgium's main international airport is Brussels airport (formerly called Zaventem),
14km (8.7mi) northeast of Brussels. If you're in Europe already, a bus or train
is the best option. Eurolines operates international bus services to and from
Belgium. Belgium Railways has frequent international services. Brussels has
three main stations and is the central hub, with lines in all directions. Car/passenger
ferries operate to and from Britain.
Cities
Antwerp
Antwerp, the second biggest city in Belgium and also one of the biggest ports
in Europe, is the capital of the province of the same name. As well as being
at the forefront of the diamond industry, it’s also well known as one
of the most up-and-coming fashion design centres in Europe.
The city’s name is thought to derive from ‘aanwerp’, meaning
a mound of sediment in a river, site of the earliest settlement in the area.
From as early as the seventh century BC there were fortifications here. In the
Middle Ages, the city became a provincial outpost of the Holy Roman Empire,
and as a result of its prime coastal location, Antwerp was, by the 14th century,
a major European merchant city with wool as its major trade.
However, its golden age ended when the conflict of the Reformation led the city
towards economic decline. Until the 17th century, though, it still enjoyed a
cultural boom, spearheaded by artists such as Rubens and Van Dyck.
Despite the mass plundering and destruction of cultural and artistic treasures
that took place under French rule in the late 18th and early 19th centuries,
the city does have Napoleon to thank for the continued success of its seaport.
With its close proximity to England, he understood its strategic importance
and began a programme of modernisation that has seen the city survive and prosper
into the 21st century as a major international port.
Belgium is renowned for its impressive town squares, and Antwerp’s 16th
century Grote Markt is one of the finest in the country. The Renaissance-style
Stadhuis (town hall) is the focal point of the square. Another striking feature
is the fountain depicting Brabo, the legendary symbol of the city who is fabled
to have slain a giant who guarded the nearby River Scheldt and cut off the hands
of travellers who didn’t pay him a toll to cross. After defeating the
giant, Brabo cut off his hand and threw it into the river.
Just off the square to the south east is the Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal, a stunning gothic cathedral with a grandiose exterior and a bright, spacious interior filled with numerous artistic treasures, among them works by Rubens such as The Raising of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, The Resurrection and The Assumption.
From the other side of the square to the west stands Antwerp Castle. Built at a time when most castles and other dwellings were normally constructed of wood, the stone edifice of Antwerp Castle was a striking landmark. Known as ‘t Steen (The Stone) it stands by the river and once formed part of the town’s fortifications.
Antwerp’s main shopping street, the Meir, leads from the
station to the historic old town. Above the busy pedestrian street and shop
window displays are some splendid examples of Rococo architecture – the
Osterrieth House and the former royal residence of the Belgian kings. Just off
the Meir is the Stock Exchange. Although it has been relocated and renovated
several times over the centuries (the current building was completed in the
late 19th century), the Antwerp Stock Exchange is reputed to be the oldest in
the world, dating back to the 15th century.
Visitors to Antwerp are spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and art galleries,
all within easy walking distance of each other. In fact, Antwerp is a pleasant
city for exploring on foot. You’ll discover lots of majestic residences,
ancient churches and many other buildings of architectural interest as you wander
around the labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets in the historic centre.
Although steeped in history, Antwerp is also a very modern city and as one of the most celebrated fashion centres of the world, it has a young and vibrant atmosphere. There are plenty of avant-garde boutiques, restaurants and bars. At the heart of Antwerp’s design scene is the MoMu (ModeMuseum), home to extensive collections of modern and historic clothing as well as various fashion institutes and academies.
The rich and varied artistic heritage of Flanders from past to present is magnificently displayed in the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, or Royal Museum of Fine Art. It contains sections on 15th century Flemish paintings right up to modern Flemish surrealism and contemporary art and it’s easy to spend a whole day strolling around exploring all the different collections.
Famous for its diamond industry, there are countless diamond
workshops and jewellery stores, the biggest of which is called Diamondland.
Here you can watch demonstrations of the precious stones being cut and polished
into fine jewels. To find out more about the history of the industry and how
diamonds are produced, visit the Provinciaal Diamantmuseum near the Zoo.
Antwerp’s nightlife is second to none. The fashion culture and gay scene
combine to create a party-like atmosphere in a city that never sleeps. The two
main areas for going out are Schipperskwartier, the red light district in the
north of the city, and ‘t Zuid in the south. The city is buzzing with
vibrant clubs such as Fill Collins on Lange Schipperskapelstraat or Club Geluk
on Luikstraat. However, if clubbing’s not your scene there are plenty
of great bars and cafes to choose from. It goes without saying that beer can
be found in abundance in Antwerp. There are hundreds of bars with vast beer
menus where you could easily spend several hours sampling the products of Belgium’s
fine brewing tradition. Stop off at Den Engel on the Grote Markt, a well known
bar in a convenient location with a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect
for sitting back and enjoying a cold beer.
Barvaux-sur-Ourthe
Barvaux-sur-Ourthe (Barvaux) is a small town in the Ardennes region, in the
heart of the Belgian province of Luxembourg.
The city has a long history. Archaeological excavations indicate that the area was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic period (approx 2000 BC). Evidence of Roman occupancy has also been discovered, such as the remains of what may have been a necropolis, which suggest that it may have been an important Roman settlement. Various tombs of Frankish peoples dating from the third to fifth centuries have also been found.
By the 15th century, Barvaux had established itself in the shipping industry, using the Ourthe to transport goods throughout the Ardennes and Luxembourg. Warehouses were dotted all along the river. However, new technology brought about the decline of the inland waterways in the late 19th century with the arrival of rail transport.
Nowadays Barvaux is a popular shopping and tourist centre, with a warm and welcoming small town atmosphere.
Barvaux-sur-Ourthe has some marvellous 17th century and 18th century houses on chain rue and grand’ rue. The neogothic église du Sacré-Coeur de Jésus is also of interest. This 19th century church contains wonderful wooden carved statues from the 16th and 18th centuries. One of the older churches in the town is the Chapelle de Ténimont, constructed in the mid 18th century and dedicated to St Theresa. It is the site where the Roman remains and Frankish tombs were discovered. The town hall (Hôtel de Ville) is an impressive early 19th century building set in the beautiful surroundings of a tree-lined park. Overlooking the River Ourthe is a large tower called La Tour du Diable, or Devils’ Tower, which was built in 1840 and is thought to have been used as an observation post to survey the boats sailing along the river.
The Labyrinthus theme park is a undoubtedly the main tourist attraction in Barvaux-sur-Ourthe. It’s an enormous, eight hectare maze with a difference – there are puzzles to solve, games to play, characters to meet and scenes to watch, so it’s great fun to get lost in! Each year the park is renovated to create a new maze and a new theme to go with it. Past themes have included Ancient Egypt, Alice in Wonderland and Pinocchio. There’s also a labyrinth for small children and a maze of wooden doors and secret passageways. With a gift shop, restaurant and free parking, it’s perfect for a family day out.
Other recreational activities in the area include the golf course. The Blue Green Golf Club is just outside nearby Durbuy. It’s a beautifully designed 18-hole course with deep hollows, wooded slopes and pristine greens. It’s open to members of the public and equipment and buggy rental is available. It also has a putting green, driving range, clubhouse and shop.
Durbuy itself is well worth a visit. Deep in the Ourthe Valley, it’s a small town with a population of only 500, and it’s one of the prettiest towns in the whole of the Ardennes region. It’s great for walking and cycling and some of the views from the hills overlooking the village are quite spectacular, especially from the magnificent 17th century cliff-top château.
Some other interesting attractions in Durbuy are the Topiary Park of neatly manicured hedges and shrubs fashioned into weird and wonderful shapes, and the jam factory, Confiturerie St Amour, where visitors can watch jam being made and can purchase various products direct from the factory shop.
Barvaux-sur-Ourthe is a perfect base for an outdoor holiday. The main activities in the area are watersports such as kayaking and canoeing on the River Ourthe. It’s also a beautiful area for walking and cycling and the tourist information office can provide details of good walking and cycle routes.
Bouillon
Bouillon, which lies in the province of Luxembourg in the south east of Belgium,
is a small city with just over 5,000, yet it holds a great deal of charm and
interest for visitors. It’s in the Neufchateau district, near the border
with France. Surrounded by the lush green hills and dense forests of Ardennes,
its beautiful and convenient location make it a perfect destination for holidaymakers.
Named after Godefroi de Bouillon, leader of the first Crusade, the city is steeped in history and has a real medieval feel. Its main attraction is the enormous medieval castle on the hill overshadowing the town (le Château Fort). One of the oldest castles in the area, its age is uncertain. The first records of its existence date from 988, but it is believed that there had been previous constructions on this site from much earlier.
Due to its location Bouillon has had a turbulent past, often occupied and annexed by neighbouring France. These days it makes a great base for exploring the north of France. Sedan, another medieval castle town, is just over the border and is well worth a visit.
Also nearby and worth going to see is the independent Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe. Its capital, Luxembourg City, a fascinating city with an old fortified central area in a spectacular setting flanked by the rivers Alzette and Pétrusse.
The Archéoscope provides an excellent educational introduction to Bouillon. Dazzling audio-visual techniques and clever multimedia displays recount Godefroi de Bouillon’s epic Crusade journey and give an insight into the history of the city and surrounding area throughout the ages. The exhibition also puts into context the history of Bouillon’s castle and there’s an amazing scale model of the castle as well as other nearby fortifications. The building in which the Archéoscope is housed is itself of historic interest. It’s a converted 17th century convent building by the side of the Semois River with an impressive exterior and wonderful vaulted interior.
The Musée Ducal or Ducal Museum, also housed in magnificent 16th and 17th century buildings, provides a more in-depth history of the Crusade and the city from past to present. Guided tours in English are available, but it’s also possible to purchase a booklet explaining the various exhibits and sections of the museum for those who prefer a self-guided visit.
The Castle or Château Fort provides a great afternoon’s entertainment for all the family. It’s full of narrow passageways, hidden nooks and crannies and dark dungeons, making for great exploration. In July and August, it’s also possible to take a night-time guided tour by torchlight, which makes the visit really atmospheric and evokes the feel of medieval castle life.
Every year from March to November falconry demonstrations are held at the Castle. Known as the Ballet des Rapaces, this extensive programme is a celebration of the beauty of birds of prey. There are several shows at various times daily. The sight of these magnificent birds in full flight is truly breathtaking and makes a visit to the castle an amazing experience.
No visit to Belgium would be complete without a visit to a brewery. Bouillon has its own brewery, Le Marché de Nathalie, whose main specialities are the Cuvée de Bouillon (a blonde beer) and Médiévale (an amber ale). The brewery shop sells over 300 varieties of beer, some of which are brewed on the premises.
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Ardennes region, Bouillon has a great deal to offer lovers of the outdoors. Activities such as rambling, hillwalking, cycling, mountainbiking, fishing, kayaking and canoeing are all popular. There are plenty of outdoor activity centres where you can hire equipment and book lessons.
There’s always something going on in Bouillon – from medieval festivals to carnivals and craft fairs.
The great European spring carnival tradition is celebrated in style in Bouillon every March, with a parade, carnival floats, street theatres and performances and an enormous bonfire and fireworks display as a climax to the event.
The Semois and other surrounding rivers provide wonderful fresh fish for the trout festival, which draws huge crowds every year in April. Local restaurants all serve their own trout specialities and it’s a real feast for fish lovers.
Perhaps the best event of all is the medieval festival held in August each year. With its focal point at the Castle, the varied programme includes traditional entertainment from the Middle Ages, such as minstrels, fiddlers, troubadours and traditional dancing, and staged sporting events such as jousting. In addition, there’s a spectacular parade where local residents march through the streets clad in medieval costume. And the festival is also a culinary feast, with local restaurants and bars serving up medieval-style dishes and beers.
Bruges
Bruges (Brugge in Flemish) is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in the whole
of Belgium. Once a thriving cloth trading port, the medieval town has been frozen
in time since the decline of the cloth trade and the silting up of the River
Zwin, its vital link to the North Sea, in the 16th century. As a result the
Industrial Revolution passed it by, and it managed to avoid bomb damage in both
world wars, therefore preserving it perfectly.
Built around a labyrinth of canals and famed for its beauty, Bruges is often proudly referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’. It’s a popular tourist destination among British travellers, due to its close proximity to the major port of Zeebrugge, and the cobbled streets are crowded all year round. The best way to explore it is on foot, wandering at a leisurely pace to admire the ornate brick buildings.
Be sure not to miss the two central squares, Markt and Burg. Surrounded by spectacular architecture, they’re always bustling with tourists. There are numerous terrace cafes and bars on Markt square where you can sit back and enjoy the views. Even better for admiring the Markt is the Belfort Tower overlooking the square, a 13th century tower with its winding staircase which is open to tourists. On the Burg square are some of the historically most important buildings in the city. The Heilig Bloed Basiliek contains one of the holiest relics in Christendom – a small bottle of blood, reputed to be that of Christ, brought back from Jerusalem during the Crusades. It is still paraded around the town in an ancient ceremony every Ascension Day. Next door to the small but important Church of the Holy Blood is the Stadhuis, the interior of which is as impressive as the exterior. The Gothic Hall is adorned with spectacular late 19th century friezes depicting medieval life in the city. Next door to the Stadhuis is the Renaissancezaal, which houses an imposing 16th century carved oak fireplace, which is ornately and intricately decorated with depictions of the Habsburgs who once ruled here.
Belgium is famed for its rich artistic heritage and there’s plenty of it to see in Bruges. The Groeninge Museum contains an impressive collection of fine art by the great artists such as Van Eyck, Jacob van Oost, Hieronymus Bosch, Rogier van der Weyden and Hugo van der Goes.
A visit to Bruges wouldn’t be complete without a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. There are carriages everywhere and it’s a wonderfully romantic way to see the city. Another popular way of getting around and seeing the city from a different perspective is by canal boat. Several different sightseeing tour boat companies are dotted along the canalsides offering various cruises around the city’s waterways.
Shopping in Bruges is a real treat. There are fine Belgian chocolate shops everywhere, selling wide assortments of pralines and other hand-made chocolate delights. For real chocoholics, there’s a Chocolate Museum – The Choco-Story. Housed over several floors, it provides a comprehensive history of this luxury product, from the origins of the cocoa bean in South America to its production in Europe. For a real treat before you leave, watch the chocolate-making demonstration and sample some of the products for yourself!
If you’re spending a few days in Bruges, there are plenty of interesting sights in the outskirts and surrounding area that are well worth a visit. Excursions to Sint-Trudo Abbey Male, an old residence of the Counts of Flanders, can be arranged at the tourist information office. For children and adults alike, the theme park Boudewijnpark and its dolphin aquarium just outside the city provide a great day’s fun and entertainment.
The coast is only 12 miles away, and it is lined with sandy beaches that are perfect for a day’s sunbathing and paddling. Why not stop off at Lissewege on the way there – it’s a pretty little village half way between Bruges and the North Sea. Surrounded by lush green meadows, its whitewashed buildings look picturesque alongside the small canal that cuts through it.
Despite its small size and quaint atmosphere, Bruges has a great nightlife. There’s no shortage of bars and cafes for a relaxing drink, and there’s also a handful of small clubs for those who enjoy a more lively night out. The B-in on Mariastraat offers the best of both worlds. It’s a lively bar-club with multicoloured fluorescent tube lighting and house music played by a variety of DJs.
For a traditional Belgian experience, check out Het Dreupelhuisje on Kemelstraat, where you can sample some of the favourite tipples of the Belgians – genever and advocaat.
If drinking isn’t your scene, a stroll along the canal-side streets is a pleasant way to spend the evening in Bruges. The buildings are wonderfully floodlit at night, highlighting their intricate beauty, and they can be enjoyed in the calm evening atmosphere of the city when the daytime crowds have disappeared and the streets are quiet.
Brussels
As capital of Belgium and administrative centre of the European Union, Brussels
is a vibrant, modern and cosmopolitan city that’s constantly buzzing with
business travellers and tourists alike. It’s an eclectic mix of gleaming
skyscrapers and grandiose medieval, neo-classical and Art Nouveau buildings.
The city centre is enclosed by an inner ring road, which follows the course that the medieval city fortifications took. It’s also split into two distinct areas – the Upper Town and Lower Town. There’s a lot to do in the large city centre area, from shopping in the glamorous boutiques and soaking up some culture in the grand museums of the Upper Town, to wandering around the city’s medieval heart in the Lower Town.
It’s impossible to get bored in Brussels – it has a great deal to offer all tastes and interests. Whether you’ve come for the architecture, the art and culture, the lively atmosphere or a fine dining experience, there’s no shortage of places to see and things to do.
You’ll get a real feel for medieval life in the city by strolling around the maze of narrow streets in the Lower Town. The main areas of interest here are the Grand’ Place and the Marolles quarter.
The Upper Town has great museums and galleries. Most worthy of note are the Musée d’Art Moderne and the Musée d’Art Ancien, housed within the complex known as the Musées Royaux des Beaux Arts. It’s possible to spend a whole day here, admiring Belgium’s most impressive art collection. The collections are divided into colour-coded zones so it’s easy to find your way around.
If shopping’s more your scene, head over to avenue Louise and boulevard Waterloo, comparable to New York’s Fifth Avenue or London’s Knightsridge, are where the most chic stores can be found.
The starting point for most visitors to the city is the Grand’ Place in the Lower Town, possibly the most spectacular town square in any European city. The historic core of the city since the Middle Ages, the square is lined with imposingly tall and ornate guildhouses, most of which date from the 18th century.
Just around the corner is another sight constantly surrounded by crowds. The tiny Mannekin Pis statue of a little boy proudly having a pee into a pool below attracts a disproportionate number of visitors for its size but never fails to entertain. He’s often dressed in rather amusing tailor-made costumes and encapsulates the irreverent and eccentric character of the city.
Just a few streets east from the Grand’ Place, the steep hill leads up to the Upper Town. There are plenty of architectural landmarks to see here, from Brussels Cathedral and the church of Notre Dame du Sablon to the Mont des Arts and the Palais Royal, as well as countless museums, among them the Musées Royaux des Beaux Arts and the Musée des Instruments de Musique.
It’s worth taking a trip just outside the inner ring road to visit the Quartier Leopold to see the various modern buildings that make up the administrative headquarters of the European Union and the European Parliament.
If Brussels is lively by day, it’s 10 times more lively by night. The choice of bars is immense – traditional Belgian bars and cafes, Irish pubs, trendy wine bars and thumping bar-clubs. For those looking for a really off-the-wall drinking experience, go for a drink in Le Cerceuil (rue des Harengs). As your eyes adjust to the dark surroundings and flickering low light, you’ll look twice before you see that the tables are made of coffins (cerceuils in French). It’s a bar that’s devoted to the macabre and it sums up the often eccentric Belgian sense of humour. The place is always lively, though, and popular with tourists and young people on nights out.
If you prefer to enjoy a drink in rather more conventional surroundings, Au Bon Vieux Temps on rue du marché aux herbes is the quintessential Belgian bar. It’s a small and intimate traditional bar with a cosy and friendly ambiance.
For clubbers, one of the best clubs is Fuse (rue Blaes). With regular appearances by many world-famous DJs, it has an international reputation as one of the best techno clubs around. It’s always mobbed and the drinks are very reasonably priced.
Genk
Genk, in the Limburg province of Belgium, is a fairly large modern city with
a population of around 63,000. Until the start of the 20th century it was a
sleepy little town, but the discovery of coal in 1901 changed all that. Suddenly
immigrants from all over Belgium and across Europe (mainly from Greece, Italy
and Turkey) were attracted to work in the mines. The mining days were short-lived
however. The biggest mine, Zwartberg, closed in 1966 although a couple of others
survived until the 1980s. Since then, Genk has moved into other industries,
the biggest of which is car manufacturing. The city’s multicultural population
gives it a very cosmopolitan feel and it was given a real boost in 2000 when
it was finally awarded city status. It’s therefore an exciting destination
for a short holiday or weekend break.
The biggest tourist attraction in the Genk area is the Bokrijk open air museum in the Park Midden-Limburg. It’s a recreation of three 19th century Flemish ‘villages’, each of which represents a different part of Belgium. It gives visitors a chance to step back in time and witness what life was like for people in Belgium in the 1800s. Role-playing actors make the experience even more realistic. Surrounding the village in the Park Midden-Limburg are several other outdoor attractions and activities for the whole family, such as gardens, woodland trails, lakeside walks and grassy parks so it’s best to set aside an entire day to see everything and make the most of it. The Park is open daily from late March to the end of September.
Despite being an industrial city, Genk is surrounded by plenty of beautiful landscapes and is often known as the ‘Green City’. As well as the Bokrijk in Park Midden-Limburg, there are several other parks, recreational areas and nature reserves such as the Heempark, the Molenvijverpark (Mill Pond Park), De Maten nature reserve and the Kattevennen recreational area.
There are plenty of options in Genk for nature enthusiasts or outdoor lovers. De Maten is probably the most visited nature reserve. With 300 hectares of dunes, ponds, marshes and shrub heathland, it’s home to a wide variety of protected bird and animal species.
The Molenvijverpark (Mill Pond Park) is a 10 hectare town park, named after an old mill that once stood there. One of the highlights of the park is the collection of sundials in all shapes and sizes. They’re not only impressive scientific timepieces, but also beautiful works of art. One of the sundials, for example, is sculpted in the shape of an open book.
To learn more about science and nature in a fun environment, head over to the Kattevennen recreational area, home to the Europlanetarium, educational walks and the Georama or geological garden. The Europlanetarium is an informative and imaginatively designed exhibition on meteorology, astronomy and space travel. Outdoors, the exhibition is complemented by two interesting self-guided walks – the nature walk and the planet walk. Following the 2.6 kilometre nature path lined with various types of plants and shrubs gives an educational insight ecosystems and the environment, while the 1.4 kilometre planet path represents the solar system in miniature – four billion times smaller than its actual size. So with every step, you’re walking millions of miles at a time! There are information boards full of fascinating facts on all nine planets and the sun. The Georama is a beautifully landscaped garden dotted with different types of rocks and sediment explaining the formation and natural history of the Earth.
After finishing your educational visit, why not take a well earned break by indulging in some outdoor activities in the recreational area of the Kattenvennen park – such as football, skiing (on an artificial surface) or minigolf. There’s also a playground for younger ones.
Every Belgian city has a wide range of arts festivals and Genk is no exception. The Motives Festival of contemporary jazz is the biggest crowd puller, attracting jazz fans from all over the world and showcasing innovative and experimental jazz musicians such as Leafcutter John and Joshua Redman.
For those who fancy a bit of adventure, Genk has its own go-karting arena. With two hair-raising circuits of wide curves and hairpin bends, it’s an exhilarating experience. There’s a gift shop and restaurant to help you relax and recover afterwards.
Gent
Gent (also known as Ghent or Gand) is the third largest city in Belgium. Like
Bruges (Brugge), it was once a flourishing textile-producing town. With the
decline of the cloth trade in the 16th century, the city survived by turning
its attention to the shipping industry. Then, when industrialisation followed
in the 19th century, Gent’s status as one of the most prosperous cities
in Belgium was assured.
Much less frequented by tourists than Antwerp or Bruges, Gent is a small, quiet and unassuming university town. It has all the key attractions of other popular Belgian cities: cobbled streets, canals and stunning medieval buildings and towers, but the relaxed and Bohemian atmosphere and compact, pedestrianised city centre make it much more pleasing for visitors who want to enjoy Belgium without the crowds. It’s the perfect destination for a peaceful weekend break.
A good starting point for visitors is St Michielsbrug, which spans the Leie River and provides beautiful views of the city’s trademark skyline of ornate medieval rooftops and three majestic spires – St Niklaas Church, the Belfort (Belfry) and St Baaf’s Cathedral. The latter, an impressive gothic edifice, is home to Gent’s most valuable treasure – the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, an enormous, multi-panelled altarpiece painting by the brothers Van Eyck in the 15th century.
For a panoramic vista of the city from above, visitors can climb the Belfort. Dating originally from the 14th century, it has been amended and adapted many times over the centuries and has a glass-sided lift for those who are not inclined to hike up the stairs. The bells, carillon and clock mechanism can be viewed on various floors of the tower.
Belgium is renowned for its spectacular medieval guildhouses, of which Gent has several. Lined along the Graslei, an old city quayside, the buildings reflect beautifully in the water. Boat trips starting from the Graslei provide a great way of exploring the city’s waterways.
To experience a traditional Belgian market in wonderful medieval surroundings, many tourists love to visit the Vrijdagmarkt, a large medieval square that hosts a market several days a week. Also on this square are lots of bars and cafes that provide a relaxing stopping point after exploring the maze of narrow cobbled streets around the surrounding Patershol area.
The Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst, better known as the SMAK, is one of Belgium’s leading galleries. It’s well known for its exciting temporary exhibitions as well as its permanent collections of contemporary art.
The Museum voor Volkskunde (also known as Het Huis van Alijn) provides a wonderful insight into life in Gent in the 19th century. It’s housed in a series of alms houses and contains reconstructed shops, pubs and other aspects of life during this period. It’s great for children and parents will love it too.
Another museum well worth a visit is the Bijlokemuseum, a red-brick abbey dating from the 13th century. It was closed down as a religious building in during the French occupation in the late 18th century, and today contains a large collection of various types of sculpture, furniture and decorative art.
For castle lovers, the Gravensteen, once home to the counts of Flanders, gives a great taste of medieval life in the city. Built in the 12th century by Philip of Alsace as a military fortress, its austere walls and towers loom imposingly over the water in the north west of the city centre.
The local beer, Stropken (meaning ‘noose’), takes its name from a key event in the city’s past. When the people of Gent rebelled against an increase in taxes in 1540 to raise war funds, Charles the Great returned to his hometown and exacted severe punishment on the ringleaders by hanging them. To this day, residents of Gent are often referred to by other Belgians as stropdragers (‘noose-wearers’).
There are plenty of good bars across the city where you can sample the local Stropken beer and many other Belgian brews, such as Het Wateruis aan de Bierkant (Groentenmarkt) with its pleasant canal-side setting and extensive beer menu.
Gent is also well known for its great festivals, the most famous of which is the Gentse Feesten, a 10-day party in July during which the city never sleeps. The tiny city centre is packed to the brim with revellers enjoying the bars, open-air music stages and street theatres. As part of this festival there’s a techno party, Ten Days Off, which attracts top DJs from all over the world.
Hasselt
Hasselt is the administrative and economic centre of the rural province of Limburg.
Although it doesn’t have the grandiose architecture of other Belgian cities,
it’s a charming city nonetheless and is particularly renowned for its
friendly local residents, convivial atmosphere and lively nightlife, as confirmed
by the honour bestowed upon it in 2004 as ‘the most sociable city in Flanders’.
It’s also a great city for shopping, with pedestrianised streets in most
parts of the centre.
Hasselt has been around since the seventh century, and thanks to its strategic location on the commercial route between Bruges and Cologne, it quickly grew into an important economic centre. Often passing from French to Dutch rule throughout the ages, it finally acquired its current status as capital of Limburg in 1839 after Belgium became independent. The city flourished during a period of industrialisation in the 19th century, when genever production reached its peak and became the main source of economic wealth in the city. Although a great number of the distilleries have now closed down, it’s still an important local product. The construction of the Albert Canal in the first half of the 20th century ensured the city’s continued prosperity and resulted in the regeneration of the medieval centre.
There are several historic buildings in the medieval city centre, such as ‘T Sweert (The Sword) on the Grote Markt square, one of the oldest half-timbered houses in the area, and St Quentin’s Cathedral, site of the first settlement in the city. The church has gone through several phases of construction throughout the ages, which is immediately apparent. The lower section is Romanesque in style and dates from the 12th century, while the steeple tower, with its magnificent carillon, was built in the 18th century.
Another significant church is the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady). Originally built in the 14th century, today’s church dates from the 1700s. One relic that remains from the early days of the church is the 14th century carved Madonna of the Virga Jesse, which is still venerated every year with a procession and various other festivities.
Hasselt has a number of good museums. The National Genever Museum outlines the history and production of the favourite tipple of the Flemish, genever. To find out more about the general history of the town and surrounding area, the Stellingwerff-Waerdenhof Museum has some interesting exhibits.
Shopping is a real treat in Hasselt. There are numerous pedestrianised streets lined with all the popular high street and designer brands as well as independent boutiques. The Demerstraat and the Koning Albertstraat are the two main shopping thoroughfares, while Hoogstraat and Kapelstraat are home to some of the most exclusive fashion labels. The opening of the enormous TT-Wijk shopping centre in 2003 confirmed Hasselt’s status as a major shopping city.
To get away from it all, many visitors to the city love to stroll around the Japanse Tuin, one of the biggest Japanese gardens in Europe, located within Kaparmolen Park. It is beautifully designed with several ponds, water features and cherry trees, it even has a ceremonial house and tearoom.
The National Genever Museum is a must-see. It gives a comprehensive history of the production of Belgium’s national drink, genever, a clear spirit similar to gin, which is made with juniper berries and other ‘botanicals’, or herbs and spices. All the distilleries have their own ‘secret recipes’, or combinations of botanicals, to produce their own distinct aromatic flavours.
The Stellingwerff-Waerdenhof Museum provides a good overview of the history of Hasselt and the Limburg area. There are large collections of ceramics, textiles, paintings and religious artefacts.
Just outside Hasselt, in the Park Midden-Limburg, is a fascinating open air museum known as the Bokrijk. Visitors take a step into the past as they wander around the reconstructions of over a hundred 19th century Belgian houses and farms set out in three different ‘villages’, each representing a different area of Belgium. Role-playing staff bring the park to life – the priest rings the church bells and gives a sermon to start the day, the windmill grinds its flour and the smell of the fresh baked bread from the baker’s oven wafts through the air. It’s both magical and educational for children and makes a great day out for the whole family.
Hasselt is a popular event centre and the Ethias and Grenslandhallen arenas host many concerts, exhibitions, sporting events, fairs and conferences.
The most well known event to be held in the city is the Pukkelpop. After more than 20 years it’s still going strong and is now considered to be one of Europe’s top alternative music festivals. It’s a three-day event with a large campsite and a great party atmosphere.
Knokke-Heist
The upmarket holiday resort of Knokke-Heist is the perfect place for a seaside
break. Next to the major seaport of Zeebrugge and only a few miles from the
Dutch border, its convenient location makes it a popular destination for holidaymakers
from all over Europe.
It’s a paradise for nature lovers and sun worshippers alike, boasting 12 kilometres of golden sandy beaches, vast dune areas and 150 hectares of beautiful nature reserve known as the Zwin, where thousands of birds of various species nest in the salt marshes and mudflats.
It’s hard to believe it now, but the area that is now known as Knokke-Heist consisted of nothing more than small, rural villages in a quiet corner of countryside that lay undisturbed for centuries. It was only with the rise in popularity of the Belgian coast as a holiday destination in the 20th century that it became as built up as it is now. The five resort areas that make up the modern administrative district of Knokke-Heist – Albertstrand, Het Zoute, Duibergen, Knokke and Heist – have grown phenomenally in size since over the last century.
Between the Belgian–Dutch border is an expansive nature reserve known as the Zwin. It’s a rich ecosystem of plants and wildlife and is great for bird-watching or walking. A range of guided educational walks and lectures is available, such as nocturnal observation tours or ‘silent’ walks for listening to the sounds of the wildlife in the area. Alternatively, it’s possible to wander around at leisure. There are plenty of suggested walks and self-guided tours to help people get the most from their visit.
Another attraction for nature lovers is the butterfly garden in the Zoute area. Wide varieties of this attactive insect fly freely around the stunning tropical gardens in a climate-controlled greenhouse that recreates the natural habitat of the species contained within it, most of which are from Asia, Africa and Latin America. It’s an explosion of bright and beautiful colours and is well worth an afternoon visit.
The windmill is one of the most well known images of the Low Countries and there are a few good 18th and 19th century examples of these in the Knokke-Heist area, in Het Kalf and Het Zoute.
The possibilities for seaside recreation are endless: surfboarding, windsurfing, volleyball, sailing, waterskiing, jet skiing, strolling along the promenade or simply lying back on a deckchair for a spot of relaxation and sunbathing.
Facilities in Knokke-Heist aren’t just limited to the beach. The centre of Knokke has a great shopping area with plenty of shops ranging from small boutiques to high street chains and large designer stores. The main shopping streets are the Dumortierlann, Kustlaan and Lippenslann.
As a holiday resort, entertainment is Knokke-Heist’s forte. Tourists never get bored with the vast range of beach activities, shops, restaurants and bars on offer.
Knokke Casino makes for a great evening of diverse entertainment. It was built in the 1920s in marvellous art-deco splendour, although it had to be extensively renovated after the war. It’s on Zeedijk-Alberstrand by the seafront and is an enormous complex with dozens of slot machines and gaming tables. There’s also a restaurant and several bars to make it a night out to remember. Even if you’re not much of a gambler, it’s worth visiting just to marvel at the lavish interior. The main hall is adorned with sparkling crystal chandeliers, pop-art friezes by Keith Haring and paintings by Paul Delvaux, while there’s a function room with Magritte friezes on all sides.
Cartoons are very popular in Belgium with both adults and children alike and Knokke-Heist holds a festival every year to celebrate this modern art form. Top cartoonists from all over the world exhibit a diverse range of works, from comical to satirical and subtle to surreal.
Kortrijk
Next to the Leie (Lys) River, Kortrijk (Courtrai) in West Flanders is a large
town of over 75,000 inhabitants with a long and varied past. Archaeological
excavations provide evidence of settlement in the area from as early as 1500
BC. It grew further under Roman occupation (at which point it was named Cortracum)
when its infrastructure was developed, but it wasn’t until the Franks
arrived in the fourth century that the population really started to expand.
As a result of the Norman invasion in the ninth century, a wooden castle was
built to protect the town, which had been replaced by a stone building by the
tenth century. However, battles between the Flemish and the French, including
the famous Battle of the Golden Spurs, destroyed much of the town and the castle
in the 14th century and a great deal had to be rebuilt. In the following centuries
Kortrijk was occupied by various other powers, from France to Spain and Austria.
These turbulent times led to a decline in the linen industry upon which the
town depended. However, by the 18th century the trade had picked up again and
Kortrijk remains today the largest producer of linen in Western Europe.
Kortrijk is best known as the location of one of the most symbolic battles in Flemish history: The Battle of the Golden Spurs. It was here on 11th July 1302 that a group of Flemish peasants, enraged by French rule, defeated the elite of the French army and brought back hundreds of golden spurs from the slain knights as a symbol of their triumph. It was a landmark victory that paved the way for Flemish independence, and the battle date is still commemorated every year as an official Flemish holiday. The spurs were hung in the Onzelievevrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady) for a couple of years until they were reclaimed by the French after a subsequent battle. However, the church today retains the symbols in paintings on the church ceilings. Also of interest in the Church of Our Lady is the Chapel of the Counts, with its mural paintings of the Counts of Flanders.
Belgian town squares never fail to impress. The Grote Markt is lined with spectacularly grand old buildings that are well worth visiting. The Stadhuis or town hall is a late-Gothic masterpiece adorned with narrow spires and ornate, stained glass arched windows.
The last remaining fortifications from the medieval town are the Broel Towers, which rise majestically from the 12th century bridge that spans the River Leie. Another impressive tower in the town is the belfry of St Martin’s church, built in the late-Gothic period with a 49-bell carillon. A marvellous example of a traditional Belgian begijnhof (beguinage) can be found next to St Martin’s church. A begijnhof is a residence for an old order of religious women called Begijns, who lived similar lives to nuns but with less strict vows. Kortrijk’s begijnhof was founded in the 13th century, although the current houses and courtyard date from the 17th century. It’s typical of the traditional begijnhof style – small whitewashed and red brick cottages arranged around a cobbled courtyard with neatly planted gardens and trees.
Watch the Battle of the Golden Spurs come to life through interactive exhibits and dazzling multimedia displays at Kortrijk 1302, Kortrijk’s newest Museum, as well as finding out more about the city’s history throughout the ages from Roman times to the present day. It’s an exciting and informative exhibition that’s fun for all the family.
Also in the same building in the Begijnhof Park is an information centre for helping visitors to plan their visit to the city and get the most out of what Kortrijk has to offer. It gives guidance on arts, culture, walking, cycling and festivals in the area.
The cloth trade is a key part of Kortrijk’s heritage, so a trip to the Nationaal Vlasmuseum (National Flax Museum) in the beautiful Beeuwsaerthoeve building gives a fascinating insight into the importance of flax to the city, as well as an explanation of how it was produced. The River Leie, with its acidic waters, provided the perfect environment for preparing the flax and was thus pivotal in ensuring Kortrijk’s success as a cloth producer.
The best places for enjoying a relaxing beer are on the Grote Markt, which has a great choice of bars and cafes with terraces on the square where you can sit back and watch life in Kortrijk go by. For clubbers, Kortrijk has a number of lively nightclubs such as Les Jeux d’Hiver, The Music Village and Le Fuse.
Numerous festivals attract people to Kortrijk all year round. Major events are the Humorologie, or comedy festival, and the Bruist festival of Flemish culture.
Leuven
Leuven (Louvain in French), is capital of the Flemish Brabant province and lies
approximately 20 kilometres east of Brussels. It’s a university town,
and its Katholieke Universiteit, established in 1425, is one of the world’s
oldest universities.
Although founded in the 9th century in a strategic location by the River Dijle, it wasn’t until the 11th century that Leuven began to develop as an important trading town. This is when most of the key buildings in the city were built. As with other Belgian cities, Leuven’s main industry was cloth, and when this fell into decline in the 14th century, so did the city. However, it saw a resurgence of its golden age in the 15th century when the university was founded. This was short lived, however, as Leuven suffered the fate of many other Belgian cities from the 16th century onwards as a result of religious wars and foreign occupation. Many institutions, such as monasteries and the university, were closed down or moved to Brussels. It wasn’t until Belgium gained independence in 1830 that the city that Leuven started to prosper again, as its university status was restored and the brewing industry quickly established Leuven as the beer capital of Belgium. One of the world’s most famous and enduring beer brands, Stella Artois, is brewed just outside the city.
Leuven was equally unlucky during both World Wars, when the vast majority of its historic buildings was destroyed. Much of what visitors see today has been painstakingly reconstructed, with rebuilding work continuing into the 1960s. Nevertheless, it’s still a beautiful city with a vibrant atmosphere, thanks to its large student population.
Arguably one of the most impressive buildings in the whole of Belgium, the 15th Stadhuis (Town Hall) is a late Gothic masterpiece of narrow spires, ornately carved stonework and over 250 statues nestling in elaborate alcoves. It’s the star attraction of the Grote Markt or main town square.
Also of note on the Grote Markt is St Peter’s Church on Grote Markt. It too is built in the 15th century Gothic style, and although not as elaborate as its neighbour, is well worth a visit. One thing that immediately stands out about the building is its lack of towers or spires. As the land beneath it was unstable and prone to subsidence, the plans to build three 160 metre high towers had to be abandoned as the structures were unsafe. At one point the towers did stand higher than they do today, but they had to be lowered in the 18th century due to the risk of collapse. Inside are a great many treasures, including some wonderful paintings and sculptures.
The Oude Markt (Old Square) is Leuven’s other central square and is the hub of student nightlife in the city, with numerous bars, cafes and restaurants. Like the Grote Markt, it is a cobbled, pedestrianised area, which is perfect for admiring the beautiful buildings that surround it as well as enjoying a relaxing meal or drink in the open air.
Some fine examples of the Flemish Begijn (Beguinage) tradition can be found in the university area. Now used as student residences, the 13th century red brick Begijnhof buildings were originally inhabited by women of the Begijn religious order, who lived a pious life similar to that of nuns but with less strict vows. The interiors of the houses can’t be visited as they are all occupied by students, but it’s possible to walk around the cobbled courtyard.
The University Library on Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein is a fine example of recent reconstruction of a much older building. It was rebuilt in the 1920s in the Renaissance style after being severely damaged in the First World War. There are impressive collections of old manuscripts and documents inside, which can be viewed by appointment only.
Leuven is probably most well known to beer lovers as the beer capital of Belgium or perhaps even the whole world. The enormously successful Stella Artois beer is brewed here and it’s possible to take a tour of the brewery, which has formed an imporant part of the city’s history for century. Originally known as Den Horn (The Horn), the brewery was established in the 14th century and by the 15th century was the largest commercial concern in the city. From the early 18th century it was managed by the Artois family, who passed on their extensive brewing knowledge down through the generations. The Stella Artois barley beer was first brewed in 1926 and is now one of the biggest selling beers in the world.
Leuven has a strong religious heritage and there are several interesting abbey buildings that are worth a visit. These include St Gertrude’s, Keizersberg, Vlierbeek and the Park Abbey. The Municipal Museum Vander Kelen-Mertens is a former 19th century mansion housing extensive collections of artefacts from ancient archaeological periods up to the 19th century and gives a fascinating insight into the history and lives of the people of Flanders. It’s set in beautiful gardens which can also be visited.
The National Scouts Museum in the chapel of the former St Gertrude’s Abbey is an interesting exhibition of the history of the scouting movement in Belgium. It contains old uniforms, badges, flags and photographs.
Kids will love Kessel-Lo Provincial Park, approximately three kilometres from the city centre. It’s an enormous playground full of pedal boats, go-karts, mini golf heated outdoor pool, rollerskating rinks, football pitches, skate ramps and other sporting and recreational facilities. It’s also an educational centre, with an eco-house outlining the use of water and other natural resources. There’s also a bee house with regular demonstrations of beekeeping, as well as a children’s zoo with farm animals such as goats, sheep and donkeys and chickens and domestic animals such as rabbits. For keen gardeners there are fruit orchards and herb gardens. All in all, it’s a really enjoyable day out for the whole family.
As far as evening entertainment is concerned, the student population ensures that there’s always a great atmosphere in the city’s many pubs, clubs, bars and cafes. The best places to go are the Grote Markt and the Oude Markt. One of the most well known bars in the city is the tiny Onder den Toog just off the Oude Markt, which claims to be the smallest in Belgium.
The Belgians know how to put on a good party and they don’t come better than the annual three-day Rock Werchter festival in July. It has been going strong since 1975 and continues to pull in the crowds every year with dozens of big name rock bands. It’s held in Werchter, a small village just outside Leuven, so most festival goers make Leuven their base.
Mechelen
Midway between Brussels and Antwerp, Mechelen (Malines) is a pretty medieval
city with a range of historical sights and attractions. Much more low key than
the major tourist centres of Brugge (Bruges) and Brussels, it makes a charming
and relaxing holiday destination.
As with many other Belgian cities, its main industry in the Middle Ages was cloth production and its economic might once rivalled that of Brussels and Antwerp. It was even capital of the Low Countries for a short while in the early part of the 16th century. Although its political power gradually waned from the late 16th century onwards as more and more administrative centres moved to Brussels, it nevertheless retained its importance as the hub of religious power in Belgium and is still today the seat of Belgium’s Roman Catholic primate.
Mechelen boasts several UNESCO World Heritage sites. The first of these is on the Grote Markt, or main town square – the 14th century belfort (belfry) and Lakenhalle (merchants’ cloth hall), which are now home to the town hall. The interior is as impressive as the exterior, and is accessible to tour groups. There’s an enormous 16th century tapestery in the reception hall, beautifully carved woodwork in the council chamber, and many other historical treasures in the wedding hall.
Also on the Grote Markt is the 15th century St Romboudskathedraal (St Rumbold’s Cathedral) with its unusual flat-topped tower dominating the skyline, which at the same time evokes both the city’s past medieval grandeur and its fall into decline. Intended as a proud symbol of Mechelen’s wealth and might, it was to be the highest tower in the Low Countries at a height of 175 metres. However, financial problems in the 16th century put a halt to the building work and the tower remains incomplete, standing at just under two thirds of its original planned height. It is nevertheless an important Mechelen building and is another of its many UNESCO listed sites. There are 500 steps in the tower, which can be climbed to view the cathedral’s two enormous carillons and their intricate mechanisms. The carillons are still played in summer concerts every year and their chimes sound beautiful. Also of note is the scale model downstairs in the main cathedral floor, which gives an impression of the how the tower would have looked if its spire had been completed.
There’s a long list of other important and impressive historical buildings in Mechelen, such as de Beyaert Town House, the Hof van Busleyden, the Oud Schepenhuis (former house of the town council), the Archbishop’s Palace and the former Palace of Margaret of Austria, as well as many old private houses dotted around the streets of the city.
Mechelen was famous for its cloth and tapestries in the Middle Ages. If you’re interested in finding out more about this industrial heritage, visit the Gaspar de Wit Tapestry Museum, which renovates old tapestries and also makes new ones – and you can view works in progress to see how they are done as well as finished examples of medieval wallhangings.
The Horlogerie Museum (Watch Museum) is a fascinating private collection of over 1,000 antique timepieces, housed in an old 16th century townhouse. There are pocket watches, grandfather clocks, mantelpiece clocks, carriage clocks, ornamental clocks and even sundials and hourglasses. As the museum is very small it can only be viewed with the owners, who’ll give you a friendly and informative guided tour of their marvellous collection.
Another museum popular with adults and children alike is the Speelgoed Museum (Toy Museum), which contains everyone’s favourite childhood playthings from antique teddy bears and dolls to old train sets and toy cars. There’s also a cafeteria and of course a play corner for kids.
Kids will also love Mechelen’s Science and Technology Museum. Who says science has to be boring? The Technopolis is anything but. Informative and educational yet fun and entertaining, it brings science to life through interactive displays and do-it-yourself experiments.
For a little relaxation and exercise, head over to De Nekker Recreation Park just outside Mechelen. It has a lake for swimming, as well as a beach, and fishing facilities are available. There are also various watersports on offer, such as windsurfing and sailing. Even bad weather can’t spoil the fun at this fabulous park – it also has an indoor playground and activity centre, perfect for rainy days.
The Plankendael Park and Zoo between Mechelen and Leuven is another popular family attraction. There’s an adventure playground, children’s petting farm and a treetop nature. It’s open daily throughout the year so it makes a perfect day out whatever the weather.
Namur
Namur, 40 miles (65 kilometres) from Belgian capital Brussels, is the capital
of French-speaking Wallonia in the southern half of Belgium. It’s an important
city in historic terms and has a rich and varied past, which it owes in the
most part to its strategic location at the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre
rivers. An enormous citadel looms over the city, evoking its past military significance.
Namur’s existence dates back to pre-Roman times, when a settlement was established on the rocky spur between the two rivers in a high, defensive position that provided a good lookout post. By the early Middle Ages it had become the largest city in the area and a castle was built on the rocky spur to protect its ever-growing population. However, despite its extensive fortifications, Namur saw more than its fair share of battles and was occupied by various powers over the centuries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Austria and France. This didn’t stop after Belgium gained independence in the early 19th century – it was occupied by German forces throughout most of the First World War and was even worse off in the Second World War when it often found itself at the front line of battles in the Ardennes area.
Extensive war damage therefore brought about major renovation in the city in the 20th century and few historic buildings remain. The impressive Citadel, however, stands proudly as a symbol of Namur’s continued strength and prosperity, and its new role as capital of Wallonia since 1986 has further reinforced its status as one of Belgium’s most important cities.
The Citadel takes pride of place high on the rocky outcrop between the Meuse and Sambre rivers. Adapted and expanded continuously over the centuries, its maze of nooks and crannies can take several days to explore fully. There’s also a small tourist train, running every 30-60 minutes daily from the tourist office, for those who are pushed for time. It gives a great introduction to all the main points of interest in the Citadel.
The elaborate 16th century Meat Hall (Halle al’ Chair) is another of Namur’s most important buildings. Situated on the banks of the Sambre, it’s home to a major archaeological collection of Roman and medieval artefacts uncovered in the area.
Namur’s belfry, built towards the end of the 14th century, overlooks place d’armes, a pretty town square lined with 18th century mansions. Also of historic interest is the Cathédrale St-Aubin (St Alban’s Cathedral). Built in the 18th century by Milanese architect Gaetino Pizzoni, it has a distinctly Italian influence.
As capital of the federal region of Wallonia, Namur is home to the regional government and parliament buildings, which can be found at the confluence of the rivers. Since it took on this role in 1986, Namur has undergone extensive redevelopment to cater for the 3,500 civil servants working in the city.
Despite its size, the Trésor du Prieuré d'Oignies is undoubtedly the best museum in Namur. It’s located in one of the rooms of a modern convent (Les Soeurs de Notre Dame) and is a wonderful collection of Gothic relics, religious artefacts and devotional pieces crafted by local artisan Hugo d’Oignies in the 13th century.
Nineteenth century artist Félicien Rops was born in Namur and there’s a museum dedicated to his work. Housed in an elegant 19th century mansion, the collection contains a variety of his drawings, engravings, lithographic prints and paintings. In addition, the museum offers a range of services, from audio guides and guided tours to a bookshop and audio-visual display.
The Groesbeeck de Croix Museum, in one of the finest 18th century mansion houses in the city, is home to a beautiful collection of decorative arts. Among the exhibits are silverware, crystal, crockery, furniture, paintings and sculpture. The surrounding grounds were designed in 1935 when the building opened as a museum. With symmetrical borders, neatly planted trees and shrubs, a pavillion and an orangery, the elegant formal gardens complement perfectly this magnificently elaborate mansion.
Namur has a magnificent Royal Theatre, which was recently refurbished and puts on state-of-the art performances all year round. There’s also a couple of good cinemas - the Eldorado in rue de fer and the Cameo in rue de carmes.
For those who like to indulge in a spot of gambling, Namur has a casino. It’s in a superb location on the banks of the Meuse at the foot of the citadel. In the casino complex there’s a restaurant, buffet bar, lounge and discotheque, so it makes a great evening’s entertainment.
There are various festivals throughout the year in Namur, the most popular of which is the street festival in May. For five days the streets of the city are taken over by open air theatres, cabaret performances, carousels and other great family activities. There’s also a beer festival at Easter and an entertaining local tradition every September called the Combat de l’Echasse d’Or or ‘Fight of the Golden Stilt’. Two teams line up against each other and attempt to send their adversaries tumbling to the ground by knocking them with their stilts and pushing them with their shoulders. The participants are all regaled in brightly coloured medieval style costumes and it’s a bizarre but entertaining festival.
Oostende
Situated midway along the coast of Belgium, Oostende has for a long time been
a major harbour, with passenger ferries and fishing boats its main traffic.
Originally a small fishing village, it gradually developed as an important port
due to its strategic location and often saw turbulent times as a result, being
occupied by various foreign powers vying for control of the seas. It rose to
prominence in the mid 19th century with the building of the railway line to
Brussels and the opening of the passenger sea crossing to Dover, and was given
a further boost when it became the favourite holiday destination of Kings Leopold
I and II, subsequently attracting aristocratic travellers from all over Belgium.
This earned it the nickname ‘the Queen of the Belgian Coast’. It’s
still as fashionable as ever among Belgians and is now visited by millions of
British holidaymakers every year.
Despite significant war damage in both world wars, Oostende still has some impressive old buildings that evoke the glory days of the city as a fashionable seaside resort. The train station was built in 1910 with a grand arched glass ceiling in a scenic harbourside location and looks magnificent when floodlit at night.
Just around the corner from the railway station is the impressive sandstone Church of St Peter and St Paul, a neo-gothic building with two majestic towering spires. Built in 1905, it contains the tomb of the first Queen of Belgium, Queen Louise-Marie, a popular royal who captured the hearts of the Belgian people. She died in Oostende in 1850.
Various Royals left their mark by building their own holiday residences. Leopold II in particular had several mansions in the city, such as the Royal Villa by the Leopold II Promenade.
A little out of the city centre, the Fort Napoléon is the only surviving Napoleonic fortress in Europe. It was built in 1812 in the coastal dunes in the north of the city by Oostende bricklayers and Spanish prisoners of war during the French occupation of Belgium. It still stood strong in the Second World War, when it was used as a barracks by the occupying German forces.
Other reminders of the impact of the world wars of the 20th century on Belgium include the Atlantikwall, a labyrinth of bunkers and trenches built by the German armies in both world wars. These imposing fortifications are situated in the tranquil surroundings of the Raversijde Domain nature reserve area of dunes and sea marshes.
It goes without saying that there are plenty of seaside activities in Oostende. The wide, sandy beaches provide perfect relaxation and there are numerous bars, cafes, restaurants and shops on the seafront.
Oostende is more than just a beach resort, though. It has several interesting museums and galleries, such as the De Plate folklore museum, which outlines all aspects of life in Oostende throughout the ages. It’s located in the former Royal Residence of Leopold I and has ancient exhibits from the Neolithic and Roman periods as well as sections on the city’s maritime heritage and local customs, traditions and folklore.
The Museum voor Schone Kunsten or Museum of Fine Arts includes works by 19th and 20th century artists such as local painters James Ensor and Leon Spilliaert, and the Provincaal Museum voor Moderne Kunst or Provincial Museum of Modern Art, which contains an informative section on the history of modern art in Belgium as well as an extensive collection of works by artists such as Magritte, Panamarenko, de Troyer and Peeters.
The life and times of celebrated Anglo-Belgian artist James Ensor are retraced in the James Ensor House, where he lived from 1916 until his death. Although the museum doesn’t contain any of his works, the renovated lounge and studio where he found the inspiration for most of his works is accessible to the public.
Oostende is also a good town for shopping. There are several pedestrianised streets that make shopping relaxing and stress-free – such as Adolf Buylstraat, Kappellestraat and Witte Nonnestraat. For a more traditional shopping experience, Oostende has a market every Thursday on the Groentemarkt, Wapenplein and Mijnplein.
Langestraat is the best place to go if you’re looking for Oostende’s best nightlife, where there’s a great selection of bars, pubs and clubs. The popularity of Oostende among British tourists has brought many excellent British pubs to the city and they always have a lively holiday atmosphere.
The Kursaal Oostende Casino on Monacoplein is the largest in Belgium and the range of entertainment options it offers is vast – there’s a gaming room, restaurant, bar and disco, and even a concert hall which puts on regular performances. Many people are also drawn to Oostende for the horseracing at Wellington Racecourse, which provides a great afternoon’s entertainment.
If you’re looking for somewhere away from the beach to take the kids, they’ll love the Maria Hendrika Park. It’s full of fabulous activities to keep them amused for hours, such as mini golf, go-karting, boating, nature trails and woodland walks. If you’re visting the city in March or October, the spring carnival and autumn funfair are also great for the whole family.
Spa
Spa is a small town with a big reputation. Home of Europe’s oldest health
resort, it contributed a new word to the English language. In the 18th and 19th
centuries it was a popular holiday retreat of the aristocracy, and to this day
it’s still a favourite destination of the rich and famous of Europe.
It was the Romans who first discovered the health-giving properties of the natural springs in the town, and by the Middle Ages was attracting people from far and wide seeking cures for ailments of all descriptions. It earned the nickname ‘the Café of Europe’ when it became a holiday playground of the European aristocracy in the 18th century.
It’s a pretty town in the heart of the Ardennes, set among rolling hills and valleys, where centuries of grandeur are reflected in the elaborate architecture and lavish interiors of the buildings.
The word ‘spa’ conjures up images of health, relaxation, pampering and enjoyment, and this is exactly what the resort town has to offer, plus a whole lot more. As well as health and beauty treatments galore, visitors can also relax and detox in the surrounding Ardennes countryside by hiring a bike or going for a hike along the numerous paths and trails.
No upmarket resort would be complete without a casino or racing circuit. Spa, of course, offers these in real style. Its splendidly glamorous casino claims to be the oldest in the world, while the Formula One Grand Prix Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps winds its way through some of the most beautiful countryside scenery in Belgium.
The first stop for any visitor to the town is the Thermes de Spa. Perched spectacularly on a hilltop overlooking the town, it can be accessed by funicular railway.
The Leopold II Gallery evokes the grandeur of Spa as an upmarket resort. It’s a late 19th century covered promenade connecting two pavilions, which was designed to allow guests to stroll and exercise after indulging in relaxing treatments.
The Parc de Sept Heures (Seven O’Clock Park), so called because of its popularity as a relaxing place to take an evening stroll, is a beautifully designed mid-18th century public space with tree-lined paths, a tranquil lake and ornate fountains.
Dotted all over the town are ‘pouhons’ or water wells housed in marvellously ornate buildings. Pouhon Pierre le Grand is the most impressive of these. Named after Tsar Peter the Great of Russia who visited here in the early 18th century in search of an elixir.
Needless to say, the opportunities for indulging in pampering and relaxation in the thermal spring waters of Spa are limitless. The grandest of all the treatment centres is the Thermes complex, which was extensively refurbished in 2004 and provides the ultimate experience in pampering and indulgence. Guests can enjoy the heated waters of the Clementine spring in the large indoor and outdoor pools complete with fountains and water cannons. There are also Turkish baths and saunas. In addition, the spa offers a vast range of therapeutic and beauty treatments such as bubbling hydrotherapy baths, peat baths, massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.
Other than spa treatments, there are plenty of activities to keep visitors to Spa entertained. Keeping with the water theme, the Laundry Museum gives a fascinating insight into the history of washing, with exhibits ranging from washboards and mangles to early washing machines and old cleaning products to soap advertisements.
Just outside the town at the Abbaye de Stavelot is a complex of three interesting museums: the Museum of the Principality of Stavelot-Malmédy, the Guillaume Apollinaire Museum, and the Spa-Francorchamps Racetrack Museum. The first provides a history of the former abbey, which once exerted great political, religious and economic influence across a large area stretching from Belgium to parts of Germany and France. The Guillaume Apollinaire Museum guides the visitor though the life and times of the famous 19th century poet who spent a great deal of time at Stavelot. Perhaps the most interesting of the three museums is the Racetrack museum, housed in the spectacular vaulted basement of the abbey. It traces the history of the prestigious Spa-Francorchamps racetrack and has a great collection of old racing cars and motorcycles. Visitors can even take a virtual tour of the track on a games console!
The star attraction in the area is the Formula One Grand Prix held at the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack just outside Spa. The thrill and excitement of racing cars roaring at high speed through the Ardennes countryside is guaranteed to entertain. The racetrack holds dozens of other competitions throughout the year which are equally as exhilarating, such as a Ferrari Race, Historic Grand Prix and Biker’s Trophy.
For music lovers, the Francofolies de Spa is an annual celebration of French language music. Held over five days every July in venues across the town, it showcases over 200 bands playing music of all genres, from hip hop and rock to folk and reggae, so there’s something for everyone.
The Casino de Spa, in a magnificently grand old building on rue royale, provides great entertainment for the evening. As well as traditional gaming tables and slot machines, it has restaurants, bars and cabaret shows.