Brussels Capital of Europe Walk 8K – Atomium, European Parliament, Old Town

Brussels Capital of Europe Walk 8K – Atomium, European Parliament, Old Town

Welcome in our Brussels Walking Tour We are starting near atomium The Atomium was originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58) Each of its nine spheres represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times

Despite its popularity, the Atomium was initially intended to be a temporary structure for the World’s Fair However, due to its popularity and cultural significance, it was preserved and has become a permanent part of the Brussels skyline The European Parliament building in Brussels, officially known as the Paul-Henri Spaak building

Is part of the larger complex that serves as the working place for the Members of the European Parliament The oval shape of the building symbolizes unity, while the transparent facades are meant to convey openness and accessibility

The Parlamentarium is a vast space dedicated to informing the public about the European Parliament and its work It features interactive exhibits, a multimedia guide, and a mock hemicycle where visitors can simulate the work of an MEP

Only the United States Capitol is larger. The European Parliament building has a floor area of over 160,000 square meters (1.7 million square feet) The hemicycle, the building’s main debating chamber, has a unique acoustic system that ensures that all MEPs can hear each other clearly, even when the chamber is filled to capacity

The European Parliament building is a popular tourist attraction, with over 160,000 visitors per year While the official seat of the European Parliament is in Strasbourg, France, most of the day-to-day parliamentary work, ncluding committee meetings and additional plenary sessions, takes place in Brussels

The Brussels location is more widely used due to its practicality and accessibility. Like the European Parliament as a whole, the Brussels building embraces multilingualism Interpretation services are provided in all official languages of the European Union during parliamentary sessions and meetings

The Mont des Arts, which translates to “Hill of the Arts” is a historic site in Brussels It was designed to create a cultural and artistic hub in the heart of the city The garden is meticulously landscaped with pathways, fountains, flowerbeds, and sculptures

The layout is designed to create a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing environment for both locals and visitors The garden is surrounded by several museums and cultural institutions including the Royal Library of Belgium, the Magritte Museum, and the Musical Instruments Museum

The Mont des Arts garden was originally a working-class neighborhood before being demolished in the late 19th century The Mont des Arts Garden offers panoramic views of the city providing visitors with a picturesque setting to enjoy the Brussels skyline Like and subscribe to our channel to see new videos

Belgium is renowned for its high-quality chocolate and Brussels is considered the chocolate capital of the world St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral in Brussels is a magnificent Gothic cathedral with a rich history and several interesting features

Belgium is a haven for beer lovers, and Brussels offers a vast array of breweries, pubs, and beer festivals Sample the city’s renowned Trappist beers and other regional specialties Belgian fries (frites) are a national obsession and Brussels is home to numerous friteries (chip shops)

Enjoy a traditional Belgian meal of frites with mayonnaise and a beer Contrary to what many might think, Brussels sprouts did not originate in Belgium However, they are named after the capital city because they were popularized in the region in the 16th century

Brussels is a great place to go shopping, with a wide variety of shops selling everything from designer clothes to antiques Brussels is a bilingual city, with French and Dutch as the official languages The first written mention of waffles dates back to the 13th century in a Brussels cookbook

Belgium is now known for its delicious waffles, which come in a variety of flavors and toppings There are two main types: Brussels waffles, lighter and crispier and Liege waffles, denser and sweeter, often served with various toppings

The ‘Brussels Beer Trail’ is a self-guided walking tour that takes you through Brussels’ many breweries and beer bars You can sample over 200 different beers along the way Moules Frites is a classic Belgian dish consists of mussels cooked in a white wine and garlic sauce, served with frites and a dollop of mayonnaise

Jeanneke-Pis is a bronze fountain sculpture and is the female counterpart to the more famous Manneken Pis The statue is located near the famous Delirium Café, a popular spot in the historic center of Brussels

Compared to Manneken Pis, Jeanneke-Pis is tucked away in a small alley, making it somewhat hidden from the main thoroughfares Just like Manneken Pis, Jeanneke-Pis has a tradition of being dressed in various costumes and outfits often reflecting special events, holidays, or cultural celebrations

Brussels is a vibrant city with a packed calendar of festivals and events throughout the year From the Brussels Jazz Marathon and the Brussels Comic Strip Festival to the Brussels Christmas Market The Grand Place, or Grote Markt, in Brussels is a central square that stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Grand Place is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the world due to its architectural harmony The buildings surrounding the square showcase a blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV styles In 1998, the Grand Place was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding cultural and historical value

Every two years in August, the Grand Place transforms into a breathtaking flower carpet composed of over 600,000 begonias The Grand Place is beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical ambiance The Grand Place and its surrounding streets are home to numerous cafes and restaurants offering a delightful array of Belgian cuisine and specialties.

The Brussels Stock Exchange building is an architectural gem The current building, located in the Place de la Bourse, was inaugurated in 1873 It features a neoclassical design with a grand façade A notable feature of the Brussels Stock Exchange building is the statue of Mercury

The Roman god of trade, located at the top of the dome. The statue symbolizes commerce and financial activity Like and subscribe to our channel to see new videos Brussels has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro lines facilitating easy movement within the city

Brussels is known as the “Capital of Comics” and the city is adorned with murals and statues of iconic comic characters like Tintin, The Smurfs, and Asterix The Comic Strip Trail is a network of walking routes that lead visitors to these comic book landmarks

The trail is a great way to explore the city and learn about its rich comic book history Manneken Pis, a small bronze statue of a little boy urinating into a fountain, is one of Brussels’ most famous and beloved landmarks

The exact origin of Manneken Pis is unclear, but it is believed to date back to the early 17th century The current statue is a replica, as the original was replaced several times due to theft and vandalism One of the most unique aspects of Manneken Pis is its extensive wardrobe

The statue has a collection of over 1,000 costumes, including traditional outfits, historical uniforms, and costumes donated by various countries Manneken Pis is actively involved in Brussels’ festivals and celebrations During events like Belgian National Day and Brussels Beer Weekend, the statue may sport thematic costumes

Due to its popularity and historical significance, Manneken Pis has been the target of theft and vandalism To protect it, the statue is often surrounded by a metal railing Several legends and myths surround the origin of Manneken Pis

One popular legend tells of a little boy who extinguished a bomb fuse with his urine, saving the city While the most famous is the Manneken Pis in the city center, there are other similar statues in Brussels including Jeanneke-Pis (depicting a little girl) and Het Zinneke (depicting a dog)

Manneken Pis has become so iconic that replicas can be found in various cities around the world often donated by the city of Brussels as a symbol of friendship Over the years, Manneken Pis has been used to make political statements The statue has been dressed in costumes reflecting solidarity with various causes and movements

The costumes worn by Manneken Pis are on display at the Museum of the City of Brussels located in the King’s House on the Grand Place On special occasions or to mark certain events, Manneken Pis is sometimes connected to a beer keg and “urinates” beer providing a unique and entertaining spectacle

If you liked the video leave us a comment The Royal Square (Place Royale or Koningsplein) in Brussels is a historic and elegant square located near the Royal Palace of Brussels At the center of the square stands a statue of Godfrey of Bouillon, a medieval knight and leader of the First Crusade

The statue, erected in 1848, pays homage to this historical figure Beneath the Royal Square, visitors can explore the archaeological ruins of the former Coudenberg Palace which was the main residence of the Dukes of Brabant. The palace was destroyed by fire in the 18th century

The square is home to the Museum of Musical Instruments, housed in the Old England building The museum exhibits a vast collection of musical instruments from various cultures and historical periods The Royal Square is surrounded by several cultural institutions, including the Magritte Museum which showcases the works of surrealist artist René Magritte

Parc de Bruxelles, also known as Warandepark or Brussels Park, is a large public park located in the heart of Brussels he park has a rich history dating back to the 18th century when it was part of the Coudenberg Palace’s garden

Today, it is a public space that plays a significant role in the city’s cultural and recreational life Parc de Bruxelles is adorned with various monuments and statues Notable among them is the equestrian statue of King Leopold II at the park’s center, erected in 1931

The park follows a symmetrical design with a central axis leading from the King Leopold II statue to the triumphal arch of the Cinquantenaire, creating a visual connection between these two significant landmarks The park is often used as a venue for public events, festivals, and concerts

It hosts cultural activities, open-air performances, and gatherings throughout the yea Parc de Bruxelles is one of the locations where the Brussels Flower Carpet is displayed every two years This event attracts visitors from around the world to witness the intricate designs created with colorful flowers

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians However, it is important to note that the Belgian royal family primarily resides at the Royal Castle of Laeken on the outskirts of Brussels and the Royal Palace is used for official functions and ceremonies

While the Royal Palace is the official residence of the monarch, it is open to the public during the summer months when the royal family is on vacation Visitors can explore certain rooms and areas of the palace When the king is in residence, the Belgian flag is raised on the palace’s main flagpole

The presence of the flag signifies the monarch’s presence in the city The palace’s grand staircase is a notable feature, known for its impressive design and the use of marble It is often used for formal entrances during state events

The Church of Our Lady of Victories has a rich history that dates back to the 14th century The current church building was constructed in the 15th century The interior of the church is adorned with several chapels and altars, each dedicated to a specific saint or religious theme

The decorations include sculptures, paintings, and religious artifacts The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and a significant religious artifact housed within is the statue of Our Lady of the Sablon The statue is the focal point of devotion for many worshippers

The Square of Petit Sablon is adorned with a beautiful garden featuring manicured lawns, flower beds, and walking paths It is surrounded by a series of bronze statues representing the guilds of Brussels, created by sculptor Antonin Mercie

In the center of the garden, there is a monument dedicated to the Counts of Egmont and Hornes, who were executed in 1568 during the Spanish Inquisition The monument, created by Belgian sculptor Charles-Auguste Fraikin, commemorates their resistance to Spanish rule The square includes a botanical garden with a collection of plants and flowers

providing a peaceful retreat within the city Beyond the sculptures, the square features various artistic elements including ornate lamp posts and decorative ironwork that enhances its overall beauty Thank you for watching and please check out our other videos

Embark on a captivating stroll through the heart of Brussels, Belgium, where iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and historical charm intertwine. Explore iconic landmarks like the Atomium and European Parliament, as well as the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town

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