Brussels capital region also known as Brussels Region is the capital of European Union and the metropolitan area of Belgium. It is the largest city in Belgium with grown in the 10th century with the demography of one million people. While this metropolitan has the population of 1.8 million. It became the important center of international affairs after the end of Second World War. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is located in this city. It is known as the home of international organizations and civil servants. There was a change in the Brussels after the 19th and 20th century and the Dutch speaking Brussels became more French speaking and both the languages got the official status.
Brussels have huge history and the word Brussels derived from an old Dutch Broeksel which means “home in the marsh”. It lies on an island in the Senne river after the construction of chapel Saint Gaugericus. However many rulers ruled Brussels it went from Duke Charles of Lower Lotharinga to Saint Gudula and from Moorsel to Saitn Gaugericus chapel. And the ruler Charles placed the first permanent enrichment on the same island in the city. The history of Brussels was never ending it went in the hands of Lambert I of Leuven for 1000 years when he got married with the Charles Daughter. River Senne was the important trade route of Brussels. It was connected from Bruges to Ghent and Cologne and became the center of commercial activities in a very less span of time. However the upper area faced smaller the risk of floods. But the upper Brussels expanded with the huge population of 30,000, in the 11th century the city got its walls after when the Counts of Leuven became the Dukes of Brabant. Brussels developed a lot after the construction of its first wall in the 13th century. It was constructed between 1356 to 1358. The marks of this construction can be still seen today which is known as the “small ring” which are roadways at present. The Small Ring is the Brussels historic center.
Brussels became the only significant state after the 15th century after the wedding of heiress Margaret III of Flanders with Duke of Burgundy named Philip the Bold. The House of Valois was emerged at another line from Habsburgs. And Brabant lost its independence, and a finally after this period of time the Low Countries got flourished and Brussels became the leading state. Charles V was only 6 years old and was the beneficiary of the Low Countries since 1506 and it was under the control of Margaret of Austria up till the year 1515, and in the year 1516 Charles V was declared as the King of Spain in the Brussels in the Saint Gudule Cathedral. After the death of his Grandfather Charles became the new emperor of Habsburg Empire this empire was known as the empire where the sun does not set. In the year 1555 Charles V got abdicated at the Palace Complex at Coudenberg. This Inspiring palace is the most famous palace in Europe it was the Dukes of Brabant and it gradually expanded into Brussels and also got destroyed by fire in 1731. The French king Louis XIV attacked Brussels in 1695. It was the mass destruction followed by damage of huge amount it was the big event in the history of Europe. Around 4000 buildings along with Grand Place got destroyed. But the reconstruction changed the city. The reconstruction of the Grand Place and the city centre changed the whole city in a big way.
The year 1830 started with the great Belgian Revolution in Brussels at the La Monnaie theatre. The construction work was taken over by King of the Belgians Leopold I on 21st July 1831, at this time most of the buildings got constructed and in this year Brussels got independence and the state of Brussels followed large changes. These changes made Brussels a wonderful state today. From the year 1876 to 1871 Senne River became the health problem for the citizens of Brussels and the entire area went in to construction with huge modern buildings followed by Urbanization. The new era came in the 20th century and many fairs and conferences got organized by the city which includes Fifth Solvay Conference in 1927. Two international Exhibitions were also organized in this year the Brussels International Exposition of 1935 and the Expo 58. After the World War II Brussels suffered damage at huge scale but the damage was less as compare to another cities and the United Kingdom. On 18th June 1989 the Brussels Capital Region was formed followed by a constitutional reform in 1970.The region was made bilingual and is one of the federal region of Belgium including Wallonia and Flanders.
Brussels is famous for its picturesque ancient streets, monuments, cafes, parks, museums, art galleries, restaurants, and the most amazing Flower Carpet outside the Grand Place. Brussels is also well known for its cultural life the city has earned this title for its French and Flemish culture.
How to Reach Brussels
Zaventem is located at the north side of Brussels where Brussels National Airport is located. More than 140 airlines are connected with this airport including national and international. You can reach Brussels National Airport by car, bus or taxi as it is located at a distance of 12 kilometers. Brussels South Airport is the second airport located in Charleroi is around 46 kilometers from Brussels and provide daily 20 shuttle services with 11 European destinations. The frequency of transport is very good in Brussels. There are three largest railway lines which are linked with European cities, over all there are 28 stations in Brussels. Brussels Central line has the largest number of tourists traveling around the city while Brussels Midi is connected with International networks and another one is Brussels Nord. There are seven major road routes which are linked with each other. If you hire a car then you have to keep necessary documents, passport and international driving license to travel from road route.
Where to Stay
Youth hostels, hotels and tourists lodges are suitable for tourists in Brussels. Reasonable, cheap and expensive all types of hotels are available in Brussels. You will also find good hotels near the airport. All major Credit cards and travelers cheques are widely accepted in accommodation areas. Summer and autumn are best seasons to visit Brussels. In the months of July and August Brussels is very peaceful because of hot summer. Winter season is also less crowded and very peaceful in Brussels.
The marvelous stylish bars, mouth watering food, nightlife, shopping, catchy sites of Brussels make it a most visited tourist destination among the tourists. The grand exhibitions and fairs are worth watching in Brussels. Museums, art galleries, walls, castles make Brussels are picturesque city.
Places to Visit in Brussels
- The Grand Place
- Mannken Pis
- The Grand Sablon
- The Palace Square
- St. Hubert Gallery
- Castle of Attre