Brussels

The famous Atom from the 1958 World exhibition

Built for the 1958 World Fair, the Atomium represents a molecule’s nine atoms magnified 165 billion times. Something of a symbol of the city, it provides a panoramic view of Brussels and its surroundings. The 9 spheres that make up the atom are linked by escalators. The Atomium hosts a museum and is also a venue for special events.

We visited Brussels in April 2006.

Les Galeries St Hubert

This gorgeous, glass roofed arcade in the center of town, lined with cafes, theaters and luxury stores has the distinction of being the first shopping arcade in Europe.

Built in 1847 and recently renovated, the Royal Galleries (Galerie de la Reine, du Roi and du Prince) are one of the most astonishing places to visit in Brussels. You should have seen the stores selling chocolats.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Brussels was a centre for the lace industry. In addition, Brussels Tapestry hung on the walls of castles throughout Europe.

In 1695, during the Nine Years War, King Louis XIV of france sent troops to bombard Brussels with artillery. Together with the resulting fire, it was the most destructive event in the entire history of Brussels. The Grand-Place was destroyed, along with 4,000 buildings—a third of all the buildings in the city. The reconstruction of the city-centre, effected during subsequent years, profoundly changed its appearance and left numerous traces still visible today.

The Grand Place

The town hall was constructed between 1402 and 1455. The original architect was probably Jacob van Thienen. The gothic tower was designed by architect Jan van Ruysbroeck. At the top of the tower stands a statue of St. Michael, the patron of Brussels

Brussels City Museum

(is located in the Maison du Roi (King’s House) or Broodhuis (Bread House))

Mannekin Pis

This famous statue of a little boy peeing in a fountain is a perfect representative of the

irreverent Belgian humor. The unique Brussels icon has been amusing visitors on the corner of Rue de L’Etuve & Stroofstraat since 1619. Over time it has become a tradition for visiting heads of state to donate miniature versions of their national costume for the little naked boy.

The wardrobe of Mannekin Pis can be seen at the Brussels museum and includes over 760 outfits – even an authentic Elvis jumpsuit. We visited the museum and we saw Manneken Pis wearing a Montreal Canadian’s uniform!

Tintin, le Capitaine et Milou

Comic Strip Route

There are currently 18 large comic strip images decorating the sides of buildings around Brussels city center. This outdoor exhibition is known as the comic strip route and is organized by the Belgian Center for Comic Strip Art and the city of Brussels. Begun in 1991 as a tribute to Belgium’s talent for comic strip art, this street art project continues to grow.

This was taken in Antwerp. (April 2006)

Cathedral of Saints Michel and Gudule

This cathedral, tactfully dedicated to the male and female patron saints of Brussels, is located near Central Station. It was completed by the end of the 15th century in the Brabant Gothic style, but was damaged by the French shelling of 1695. The white stone façade is from the year 1250 and the interior is splendidly proportioned and stuffed with treasures.