Benvenuto in
Belgio
Nome ufficiale: Regno del Belgio
Capitale: Bruxelles
Forma di governo: monarchia costituzionale federale
con due case legislative
(Senato e Camera dei Rappresentanti)
Superficie: 30.528 km²
Popolazione: 11,5 milioni
Altre città importanti: Anversa, Gent, Brugge, Liegi e Namur
Il Belgio è diviso in due regioni geografiche: la Vallonia francofona nel sud e il fiammingo di lingua olandese nel nord. Bruxelles, la capitale, si trova proprio tra queste due regioni ed è quindi bilingue.
Nella regione di lingua olandese fiamminga settentrionale, famosa per i campanili medievali, le piazze del mercato e le case a due spioventi che si affacciano sugli affascinanti canali che si snodano attraverso la città. Anversa, città portuale fin dal Medioevo, è nota come la capitale mondiale dei diamanti, la vivace Gand è nota per il suo castello medievale e le piazze del mercato. L'affascinante città di Bruges, conosciuta come la Venezia del Nord, è considerata da molti la città più bella del Belgio.
Brussels
As the capital of Belgium and EU, Brussels is a vibrant city known for many things. Stunning architectures, incredible statues, bizarre comic strip, and endless shopping opportunities. For beer lovers, you can join a beer tour to discover some of the thousands of beers Belgium is renowned for.
​
Brussels is home to numerous international organizations including the EU and NATO.
​
The Grand Place
The Grand Place "Grand Square" in English, a gorgeous cobblestoned square, surrounded by opulent guildhalls that were once the headquarters of the city’s merchants,
the Town Hall and the Breadhouse building now houses the Brussels City Museum. The Grand Place is the most memorable landmark in Brussels. It is also considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
This square also hosts multiple festivals throughout the year, from the charming winter Christmas market to the summer Carpet of Flowers.
​
Flower Carpet
The amazing Flower Carpet is a biennial event in Brussels in which volunteers from around Belgium gather at the Grand Place, the historic centre of the city, to weave a carpet-like tapestry out of colorful begonias. The event takes place every 2 years . on even year, in mid August, coordinating with Assumption Day. Nearly a million flowers are required to create the ephemeral 1,800 square metres carpet. The next edition of the Flower Carpet show should take place in mid August 2022.
​
Manneken Pis
The famous Manneken-Pis remains the emblem of the rebellious spirit of the City of Brussels. The statue’s name, means “peeing boy”, he is naked and urinating into the fountain's basin. It’s a tradition in Brussels to dress the little bronze statue at special occasions. His wardrobe counts more than 900 suits.
Manneken Pis is not the only peeing statue in Brussels. In 1987, he was joined by his sister, Jeanneke Pis, doing her business at the end of a blind alley near the Rue des Bouchers. Completing the pee-pee trio is a peeing dog, Zinneke. This statue was placed on the sidewalk of Rue de Chartreux. If you end up finding all three, you’ll be sure to come away with a series of funny pictures.
​
Atomium
Brussel's iconic attraction and Belgium's most famous monument. Originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair. It is located on the Heysel Plateau in Laeken, where the exhibition took place. The nine spheres represent an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. It is now a museum with permanent exhibitions dedicated to the 1950s, the 1958 World Expo and the construction of the Atomium. At the top sphere, you can enjoy the most beautiful panorama over Brussels and its surroundings.
​
Cinquantenaire
Cinquantenaire was built in 1880 for the 50th anniversary of the independence of Belgium. It is home to the Royal Museum of the History of Armed Forces and Military , Art, History and to Autoworld. In the park, you can enjoy an unbeatable panoramic view over the whole of Brussels.
​
Mini-Europe Theme Park
Mini-Europe is a theme park with miniatures of the most famous monuments, sites and scenery of Europe. See the whole of Europe in one day at Mini Europe
​
Antwerp
Antwerp is a bustling city , always something to see and experience. It is the diamond capital of the world, where more than 70 percent of the world’s rough diamonds are traded. While it may not be as historically preserved as Bruges or Ghent, it is a very dynamic city, offering a perfect mix of history and present-day modern life. Architectural wonders await with the gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, tallest cathedral in Belgium, with spire visible from every corner, and the majestic combination of baroque and Gothic architecture of the Saint Paul’s Church. The impressive train station, with Gothic architecture and the splendid main hall, will take your breath away. Next, the Antwerp’s Grote Markt or town square, a beautiful example of architecture during the 16th century. There are a host of charming cafes and restaurants, where you can relax and stop for a bite, sample the city's famous jenever (gin) or beer. Don't forget to buy a diamond!
​
Bruges
Bruges (Brugge in Dutch) arguably one of the most charming cities in Europe, is surrounded by an extensive network of canals and it's been called the ‘Venice of the North'. The historic centre is perfectly preserved example of medieval Flanders architectural and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. There are many panoramic spots for great pictures opportunity.
​
In the Grote Market Square, visitors can enjoy the neo-gothic style amid Provincial Court, the striking Belfry Tower where you can climb the 366 steps up to the top of the tower, the view is worth the climb! Other sites not to miss include the spectacular Gruuthuse Mansion, and the impressive Saint John’s Hospital. Chocolate lovers will enjoy exploring chocolate shops while beer lovers have the De Halve Maan brewery. You will find lots of shops selling souvenirs of handmade lace which Bruges is famous for.
​
