For years, Belgium has mesmerized the world with its famous dark chocolates. So much so, that today immense research is being done in chocolates themselves. But this beautiful country has much more to offer tourists than simply its international speciality. Firstly it is located in northwest Europe. Secondly, the two largest regions here, comprise of Dutch speaking natives in the north and French speaking natives in the south. Belgium had the distinction of being recognized as a sound place for commerce and culture, from the Middle Ages to the 16th century. However, from then onwards, when the quest for power among the European countries began, Belgium became the battlefield. However, with the advent of the Industrial Revolution, Belgium saw a chance to generate wealth by fuelling the need for raw materials. Today, Belgium is a country noted for its industries in food and automobiles in particular. Brussels is its capital.
Belgium over the centuries has made significant contributions to the arts, notably in painting and architecture. Various fine examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture have been made here. Artists such as Jan van Eyck, Lambert Lombard and Pieter Brueghel are few famous personalities. The 19th and 20th centuries saw a rise in surrealism and expressionism, two different artistic expressions. Belgium too, had painters such as Egide Wappers, Jan Fabre and James Ensor among others who made huge contributions. The violin was to Belgium what the flute was to Austria. Eugene Ysaye and Henri Vieuxtemps are two violinists who emerged, as important musicians. The saxophone was invented here in 1846, by Adolphe Sax. The field of science too saw a few 16th century pioneers such as Mercator in cartography, Andreas Vesalius in anatomy, and Simon Stevin in mathematics. Georges Lemaitre was credited with having proposed the Big Bang Theory in 1927.
The beauty of Belgium lies in the fact that each corner of the kingdom ahs something different to offer. While the north ( Flanders) is famous for its art and architecture, the south ( Wallonia) is famed for its beauty. The best way to begin a tour would be with the capital city itself-
Brussels - Brussels has so much to see but there are a few sites that should not be missed out. The Grand Place which has many decorations and gothic styled houses, is a World Heritage Site and was built as a merchants market in the 13th century. Many concerts and others events take place here. Although there are 8o museums here, a visit to some of them should be on your agenda. If you are a lover of musical instruments, then a visit to the Museum of Musical Instruments is a must. This building combines different architectural styles, and has more than 7000 different instruments. The Dinosaur Museum, which is the largest in Europe is also interesting. The Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art are a must visit for art enthusiasts. The Cathedral of Saints Michel and Gudule, which was built in the 15th century, has breathtaking interiors and is a popular tourist spot. The Royal Palace, where the royalty stay, is open to visitors in the summer and has lovely Neo Classical architecture.
Antwerp - Located in the north of Belgium , Antwerp is home to a diamond district which supplies more than 80% of the world’s diamonds. Steen Castle, which was once a jail, is today a museum of local history and archaeology. The Antwerp Zoo, is reputed to be one of the oldest zoos in Europe, and even has many breeding programmes for endangered animals. The Saint Carolus Borromeus Church, which was built in the 17th century, has many beautiful artwork and paintings done by one of the most artists to emerge from here- Ruben.
Bruges - It is often called the ‘Venice of the North’ and this place lives up to its name. One can go for a quiet boat ride on the canal or even take a trip in a horse carriage. The Church of our Lady, which took more than 200 years to build has a lovely statue by Michaelangelo. The Groeninge Musuem, is home to some of the most premier art pieces by Belgium’s famous artists.
The south of Belgium with its French speaking population has many natural wonders to see. The south has always been renowned for having a little bit of everything- man made monuments and castles, and plenty of nature. To add to it, the culture is also very warm and friendly as are the people. Wallonia, also known as the Ardennes, is a mountainous area famed for its forests, lakes and streams. The Ambleve Valley is quite wild and deep, while the grottos found in Fond de Quarreux, are another famous attraction. One can indulge in quite a few activities such as walking, hiking, kayaking and even have an adventurous ride in a hot air balloon. There are many towns here as well as charming little villages where one can spot many old houses and natural woods. One such place called Liege is famed for the museums, which showcase Wallonian art and life, for the St James church and for the 18th century Town Hall. Tournai is famed for the Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the 13th century, and especially for the Museum of Fine Arts. The capital city of Namur is also one of the most fortified cities in Europe, and has two well-known museums too.
Although Belgium is home to both the NATO and the European Union, it takes immense pride in retaining its own culture. A tourist will have plenty to admire and see here. Needless to say, with its many art museums and huge contributions to painting, this city is a must visit for art lovers all over the world. Belgium isn’t just about tourism or business. People take great pleasure in relaxing over one of the 400 varieties of beer produced here, or simply relax with friends in a café. There is much to see here that will fill up your days and nights.Elgium Travel
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Na de bevestiging (zie onder) van enkele Duitse open air shows deze zomer, zou AC/DC volgens een Franse AC/DC nieuwssite (die, net als deze site, nauw samenwerkt met de platenfirma) nogmaals in Parijs optreden ergens in Juni (Parc des Princes). Een nieuwe Spaanse show zou volgens een Spaanse krant aangekondigd zijn, maar ook hiervan tot dusver geen bevestiging. Dat zou goed nieuws zijn voor diegenen die tot dusver geen kaartjes konden bemachtigen. Het zou zeker de ticketprijzen op de zwarte markt een serieuze klap geven. Van zodra ik meer weet over een derde show in België hou ik jullie natuurlijk op de hoogte!
