Brussels sightseeing

Sightseeing and places to go in Brussels

Brussels is not only the capital but the heart and centre of the country. It is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in Europe and is no surprise that it was chosen to be the political centre for the headquarters of much of the European Union's institutions, as well as the political seat of NATO, the Western European Union (WEU) and other European organisations. Today, it is considered the de facto capital of Europe. Brussels architectural jewel is the Grand' Place with its lovely 17th century buildings and 15th century Town Hall. Nearby is the well known little statue of Manneken Pis, the most popular citizen of Brussels. 

The collegiate church of Saint Michel and Gudule (Gothic) with its 16th century stained glass windows, the church of Our Lady of the Sablon (late Gothic) are magnificent monuments to be visited. Other points of interest are the House of Erasmus in Anderlecht, the 17th century Cambre Abbey, the Royal Palace and Park, Parliament Buildings, the Archway of the Cinquantenaire and the 19th century Palais de Justice. The Battle of Waterloo, with its painted panorama of the famous battle and the Napoleonic relics, is a short distance from the capital, as is the castle of Gasbeek, which belonged to the Count d'Egmont.

One of the most famous attractions in Brussels is the Atomium which is a large sculptural building that is a reproduction of an atom magnified 165 billion times. In the nine spheres of the atom are housed nine different museums. Close to the Atomium is the model miniature city, Small Europe. This miniature model city incorporates all the famous European landmarks. 

An interesting daytrip to make if you have the time exists about 12 miles south of Brussels. Here is the historically interesting town of Waterloo where the famous Battle of Waterloo took place between France and England led by the Emperor Napoleon and the Duke of Wellington. In the town of Waterloo itself there is the small museum Wellington which has maps that show the old battlefield that was located 2 miles outside the town.