Brussels - The Capital of Europe



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7. The Manneken Pis: This statue of a little boy urinating has been a major tourist attraction for ages. No one really knows its origins but due to its popularity the statue has often been hidden to protect it against invading armies. The statue is very often dressed and has a wardrobe consisting of more than 600 costumes all preserved in the King’s House, including an Elvis Presley outfit and a Mickey Mouse costume.

8. The Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral: the original church here dated back to the 11th century. In 1047, Lambert II had the relics of Saint Gudula transferred from the Saint Gorik church in downtown Brussels to the new church here at Treurenberg Hill. From that moment on the Saint Gudula and Saint Michael church became more important than any other in the city. It was originally built in the Romanesque style and was later transformed in the Gothic style during the 13th century. The foundations of the original church can still be seen under the crypt of the cathedral. Inside, 12 pillars stand out and the glass-stained windows accentuate the later gothic style which allowed more light to fall in to the church.

9. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart: Also known as the Basilica of Koekelberg (a suburb), it is always visible from the hills surrounding the center of Brussels. The Basilica is known as the ‘National Basilica of Belgium’, built to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Belgian independence. It was dedicated to the war victories of 1918 and 1944. Visitors can climb into the magnificent dome of the Basilica for a picturesque view over Brussels and its surrounding areas.

10. The Saint Nicholas Church: This is one of the oldest churches of Brussels named after Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of the traders, which was apt as it is located near the main market. The asymmetrical layout of the church is due to the fact that a small brook used to run through this street. The church was plundered in the 16th century, and was burned to the ground because of the bombardment by French troops in 1695. In one of the pillars of the Holy Virgin chapel one can still see a canon ball from that event.

11. The Notre Dame Church: Laken, one of the suburbs of Brussels, is where the royal family of Belgium lives. The Notre Dame Church here was built in 1854, during the reign of King Leopold I, to mark the death of his wife Louise-Marie, Belgium’s first queen. Inside the Notre Dame church is the royal crypt where the kings and queens of Belgium are buried. In the cemetery behind the church, the choir of the old medieval church can still be seen. Among the tombs of 19th century bourgeoisie, is an original Rodin Thinker.

Food
You will have plenty of food variety to choose from in Brussels but do try the fundamental classics—mussels (moules), fries (frites) and chocolate. If you are a bit more adventurous go for the palink in’t groen (river eels in green sauce) and turbot waterzooi (turbot fish in cream and egg sauce). For those with a sweet tooth try some Belgian waffles but you cannot leave without packing in some famous melt-in-the-mouth Belgian chocolates.

Belgium is the country with the best beer in the world. Save your evenings for going to the city’s various pubs and trying out the local beers—Brussels Gueuze or fruit beer and the Trappist beer that tends to be very strong.

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