Belgium is one of the most prosperous European countries with excellent travel services. Sights of Belgium are well-preserved medieval monuments, among which tourists are especially attracted by Gothic castles. A high standard of living in Belgium directly affects the attitude of the state towards historical and cultural sites. We can say that the cult of iconic objects of history dominates here. They are treated as a national treasure.
What to see in Belgium first
If you want your vacation to make a lasting impression, think about contacting an organization to organize excursions. Guides in Belgium speak different languages and have a responsible approach to work - you just need to tell where you want to go, and the guide will make sure that the trip goes perfectly.
1. The historical center of Bruges
Modern Belgium is interesting to many travelers. This is largely due to medieval castles and squares, which were fortunate enough to survive to this day. When asking yourself what to see in Belgium, do not forget about the Belfry Palace and the Gall Tower. The Belgians consider the date of their construction in 1040, and the square in Bruges became their location. The tower is visible from everywhere, compositionally it dominates the square.
The architectural monument belongs to medieval objects. In previous centuries, it was nothing more than a covered market. Trade was actively conducted here, since many trade routes always passed through Belgium. The realistic originality of medieval architecture can be felt here by touch. The construction is monumental, made of solid stone. Due to the characteristic medieval colors, the palace and the bell tower from the side seem gloomy.
Brown and beige tones prevail on the facades, however, upon closer inspection, tourists admire how many architectural and decorative details are on the walls of ancient structures. The area is a UNESCO heritage site. Currently, it is forbidden to move vehicles.
Official website: https: //www.visitbruges
2. The Cathedral of St. Bavon, the altar of Ghent (Ghent)
The cathedral has a dedication. The construction was erected in honor of St. Bavon. It is interesting for those who have not yet decided what to visit in Belgium. Construction work was carried out for a very long time, at different stages they were stopped and resumed again. It is believed that the year of the construction of the cathedral is 1569. After the old abbey of St. Bavon was dissolved, the church became collegiate. This happened after the uprising against Charles 5. The diocese was founded later, in 1559. Tourists will be interested to know that it was in the church of St. Bavon that Charles 5 was baptized.
The Ghent Altar is the treasury of the cathedral. Its architecture meets certain topics. It is based on http://www.sintbaafskathedraal.be/en/index.html worshiping the lamb. At the altar there is a defenseless and touching Lamb, bearing the symbol of Christ.
The work of Jan and Hubert van Eyck was successful, and the altar is considered to be a masterpiece of religious creativity. In his composition, in restrained shades, the creativity of the Northern Renaissance was reflected.
Official website: http: //www.sintbaafskathedraal
3. Museum "On the Fields of Flanders" (Ypres)
The museum recreates the atmosphere of the front Ypres. The museum’s exposition, updated in 2012, contains genuine documents and attributes of the time. Here you can see maps, weapons, uniforms and personal items of soldiers.
The organizers used interactive technology, including sound systems, touch screens, and video projection tools. Software provided by OCULAR.
The bloody battle of the First World War at Ypres is presented to visitors on a relief interactive map. In this case, the image is supplemented by stories of doctors, soldiers, nurses and priests. Authentic personal tragedy stories are featured in interactive kiosks.
The tragedy of the First World War is dedicated to John McCray's poem "In the Fields of Flanders." It commemorates A. Helmer, who died during the battle of Ypres. For modern history, the poem is relevant in the sad image of red poppy, which is perceived as a symbol of hot sorrow for all those who died in military conflicts.
Official website: http: //www.inflandersfields
4. Castle Gravensten (Ghent)
The castle became an example of a fortification. It was erected in the 9th century during the reign of Count Baudouin I Iron Hand. The functional purpose of the defensive structure was to protect against the Vikings, who were famous for discipline and special cruelty. In the 10th century, the fortress was rebuilt by order of Count Arnulf 1. The building material was wood.
All fortifications were erected around the main building, located on a hill. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone numerous upgrades. In the 12th century, at the behest of Count Robert 1 of the Frisian Tower was thoroughly rebuilt. New architects arranged a three-story building in which luxurious halls with a stone staircase appeared. A distinctive feature of this tower was the presence of latrines and furnaces. It was available only to the most affluent owners.
The castle retained its administrative function throughout the following centuries. In the twentieth century, it became one of the main attractions of Belgium. The 800th anniversary of the castle was celebrated in 1980.
Official website: https://gravensteen.stad.gent
5. Basilica of the Holy Blood (Bruges)
The monument was built in the 12th century. This is the oldest building, which is preserved for posterity almost in its original form. According to the tradition of that time, the monument is located on the market square. The chapel has two floors, and their architectural design is different. The lower level has become a reflection of the Romanesque style.
The upper part is more like a fortification, in which you can see the windows of the loophole, rounded columns and tall pointed towers. The chapel complements the sights of Belgium and serves as direct evidence of how modern authorities treat historical monuments with care. The facades can be called ascetic, if not for the refined ornament in stone and beautiful stone lattices on oval windows.
Top-level metal decorative elements give the impression of flying lace. They somewhat smooth out the heavy visual perception of the medieval structure. The courtyard is paved with stone. The booming echo of the steps in it remained as sonorous as in previous times.
Official website: http: //www.holyblood
6. The Meuse Valley in Belgium
If you are considering what to visit in Belgium, pay attention to the Meuse Valley. Traveling along the river promises to be truly interesting. Here you can admire the ancient limestones, which almost vertically rise above the fast river. Dense forests and plains have become a haven for small cozy villages. The Meuse Valley has many hiking trails.
In addition to hiking trails, you can choose a bike ride. Along the bicycle paths you can see many of Belgium's sights. On the tops of limestone cliffs there are many beautiful strongholds, which guides enthusiastically talk about. The embankment itself is organized in accordance with the architecture of European towns. It is spotlessly clean, the pavements are not just cleaned, but washed daily with special shampoos.
Ecological purity is felt in the special freshness of the air and the transparency of the river. In buildings on the waterfront no more than 5 floors. These are compact and very comfortable buildings, among which there are hotel houses with excellent service.
7. Grand Place (Brussels )
Grand Place remembers the noise of market trade. It was founded in the 13th century, and its purpose was to provide comfortable trading to wealthy businessmen. Shopping malls were arranged around the perimeter of the square. In modern terms, the area had a large throughput. It was paved with powerful paving stones, which easily withstood the largest mechanical loads.
In addition to the shopping arcade, knightly tournaments were also held on the square. Demonstration trials took place here. The area corresponds to the Gothic style. The buildings surrounding it around the perimeter have stylish columns and lattice windows on their facades. Each building is necessarily crowned, according to the Gothic canons, pointed towers or domes. Grand Place should be visited by anyone who is interested in the sights of Belgium.
It is interesting that in Belgium there is an original and beautiful custom to decorate the Grand Place with a floral carpet every even year. Tourists from all over the world come to see this bewitching sight. The ancient buildings surrounding the square are so beloved in Belgium that they were given their separate names: Wolf, Trolley, Fox.
The Grand Place, like any building of the Middle Ages, has withstood the attacks of enemies more than once. For example, in 1695, the area was besieged by French troops, which thoroughly destroyed it. But over time, skillful carvings, figurines, and stone garlands reappeared on the buildings surrounding the square. Now the area is protected by the state.
8. Old Town of Mons
A cozy and clean town is located 20 kilometers from the border with France. The city is called a university city; you will not find impressive medieval castles and stone-paved squares in it. For tourists, Mons is interesting for old buildings and special European comfort. The city has the main historical symbol - the Baroque bell tower, which rises to 80 meters. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that in all of Europe it is the only bell tower made in the Baroque style.
It has become the property of UNESCO. If you have not decided what to see in Belgium, think about this small town. Other attractions include the BAM and Pass modern museums. Here you can learn about the features of the exhibits, the geographical position of the city and its modern development.
9. Church of St. Peter (Leuven)
Sights of Belgium will be incomplete without visiting the Church of St. Peter. According to legend, the church was built on the site of a wooden temple, which was built in 987. When the church was restored after a fire in the 12th century, its Romanesque architectural style was preserved. But now it has become stone. Its prototype is the Basilica of Our Lady in Maastricht .
Over time, the architectural style began to change actively. In Belgium, they often used the Gothic style in the creation of religious buildings. The Temple of St. Peter was no exception.
Ancient architects planned a 70-meter tower, but the plan was not destined to come true. The fact is that in this place there are unstable soils that could hardly withstand such a massive structure.
In our time, destructive wars (World War I and World War II) have had a devastating effect. St. Peter's Church was almost destroyed, but each time it was reborn even more beautiful.
Tourists will be interested to see in Belgium the famous work “The Last Supper” by Dirk Bouts. In addition to this masterpiece, the works of artists of the 15th century are kept here. Guides in Belgium pay special attention not only to the external composition of the church, but also to its interior decoration. The church is decorated in classic Gothic traditions. It causes constant interest among tourists.
10. Waterloo
The municipality of Waterloo can be fully attributed to the sights of Belgium. The city is 15 km from Brussels, with almost half of its population being foreigners. What is interesting to Waterloo for tourists? Of course, the legendary battle of Waterloo, when Napoleon suffered a crushing defeat from the forces of the 7th coalition, the leader of which was the Duke of Wellington, as well as Field Marshal Blucher .
A stone lion facing France on a massive pedestal is a memory of that bloody battle. The monument was erected by decree of the king of the Netherlands. The king dedicated a monument to his son, the Prince of Orange . The prince was injured during this battle, but doctors managed to save his life. In addition, Waterloo has a rich Wellington Museum and the beautiful Catholic Church of St. Joseph. There is a tradition that Wellington won the battle, thanks to his long prayers in this church before the battle.
Sights of Belgium: what else to visit while in Belgium
Obviously, there is something to see from any category of tourists, from families with children and pensioners, to young people and those who want to study the local culture more deeply. You should continue exploring this amazing country by going on excursions to the following tourist sites in Belgium .
11. The Valley of Semois
What to see in Belgium? Everyone chooses a trip, according to their own preferences. Noisy cities attract someone, someone is a fanatic of medieval castles. There are also travelers who are only interested in museums and only from a scientific point of view. In contrast to the hiking trails through the capitals and fashionable hotels, the Semois Valley invites those who appreciate the pristine beauty of nature.
Most often, walking tours with professional guides are held in the valley, which will enthusiastically tell you about the features of this area. But a boat trip along the river will be no less interesting. Landscapes surrounding travelers can be called divine. The gentle green shores and the silk grass of the valley leave a lasting impression on tourists. The valley is especially beautiful in spring, when a lot of beautiful wildflowers bloom here.
12. Notre Dame Cathedral (Tournai)
Notre Dame Cathedral is known to everyone who is interested in the sights of Belgium. Currently, the cathedral is the residence of the bishop. Notre Dame is a cult architectural and religious site in Europe. Romanesque architecture, characteristic of the cathedral, can be traced in pointed peaks and ascetic gray tones on the facade.
The building is 58 meters high and 36 meters wide. The reason for the creation of Notre Dame was a fire in the 12th century, which destroyed the episcopal church complex.
The main building of the cathedral was erected in 1191. Together with him were attached utility rooms, towers and choirs. Later, Bishop Gauthier de Marvey ordered the reconstruction of the religious building in accordance with the canons of the Gothic style. Notre Dame in its modern form was finally completed in 1325, when two more side chapels appeared.
The Belgians are experiencing a major robbery in 2008, when more than 10 religious objects were stolen from the cathedral. Among them were two bishop's rings and 8 chalices. 3 crosses also disappeared, in one of which was a particle of the Cross of Christ. Historians estimate stolen values at 40 million euros. In 2000, the cathedral became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notre Dame is especially proud of the Belgians.
13. Liege - the cultural capital
The city of Liege is rightfully considered the cultural capital of Belgium. In Liege in the Middle Ages there was a fierce struggle between the nobility and the clergy. The struggle was fought not for life but for death, which is confirmed by the preserved information about the tragic events of 1312. In that year, supporters of the nobility were burned alive in the church of St. Martin.
In addition to religious wars, Liege was shaken by economic and political disasters. In the 15th century, the Netherlands tried several times to annex Liege, but the city courageously defended its independence. Karl the Courageous twice raided the city. In 1468, Liege was almost destroyed due to this, but was later restored.
The 16th century is considered the golden time for the city. During the reign of Erar from the Lamarck clan, a real cult of gunsmiths was established in the city. In addition, at the same time, the city was experiencing the rise of steel centers. Modern historians believe that if it were not for the constant struggle between the townspeople and the bishops, Liege could become the largest economic center of the country.
However, the rule of the episcopate was put to an end in 1789. Since then, it has become the administrative center. During the establishment of French rule, the townspeople showed high fortitude in the struggle for the independence of Belgium. We can say that it was Liege that became the stronghold of the guerrilla war of 1830. Choosing what to visit in Belgium, it makes sense to get acquainted with the heroic history of this glorious city.
14. Statue of Manneken Pis (Brussels)
A funny, ironic and in its own way touching sculpture “Manneken Pis” was installed in Brussels next to the Grand Place. The sculpture is a children's figure mounted on a pedestal. Historians found the first mention of a similar statue in the fifteenth century and even earlier - at the end of the 14th. According to legend, she has a reference to the events of the Grimbergen war.
The legend says that the cradle with the son of the ruler Gottfried III Levensky hung on a tree, and the sight of a little boy, the future monarch, served as a kind of inspiration for the soldiers. According to legend, the boy urinated on the soldiers, giving them his strength.
There is another legend, according to which a boy in such an unpretentious way extinguished the beginning fire from enemy ammunition. The authorship of the modern version belongs to the sculptor Jerome Duchenoy, who presented his amusing masterpiece to the city in 1619. There is an attractive force in this monument. Perhaps his charm lies in the many heroic traditions that surround the boy?
Robbers have repeatedly attempted this attraction in Belgium. After the statue disappeared without a trace in 1960, a copy replaced it, and the event itself became the occasion for the creation of the feature film “Saïda a enlevé Manneken-Pis”.
Official website: https://www.brussels.be
15. Charleroi (Hainaut)
50 km from Brussels is one of the largest cities in Belgium, Charleroi. This is a major aviation and railway hub of the country. The population is small, a little more than 200 thousand people live in the city. The city-forming direction of the economy is steel production. The year of foundation of Charleroi is 1666.
Then, the Sharnua fortress was erected at this place, later renamed at the behest of King Charles 2. Currently, the city is among the five most beautiful cities in the country, which gives reason to rank it among the sights of Belgium. Interestingly, one of the city's stadiums was used during the European Football Championship in 2000.
16. Diamond Quarter (Antwerp)
Antwerp is the second most important Belgian city after Brussels, the birthplace of famous artists Rubens and Van Dyck, the largest port and place where historical and modern sights meet . As the center of the diamond trade in Europe, Antwerp has its own Diamond Quarter, which houses a lot of jewelry stores, workshops, trading exchanges, and buyers are offered a huge number of precious diamonds in different colors, shapes and sizes. But contrary to expectations, you will not find here some semblance of the golden edge of Eldorado - this quarter is occupied by ordinary, most often residential buildings, and jewelry shops are huddled on their first floors.
17. Atomium (Brussels)
A true treasury for visitors to Belgium is the capital city of Brussels. Pompous streets are often occupied by monumental architectural creations - magnificent palaces, historical shopping galleries, museums full of priceless exhibits. Among the most iconic objects of the city are the Brussels Town Hall, the Royal Palace, the stock exchange building, Notre Dame du Sablon, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts. A vivid contrast to the flickering everywhere facades in the style of Gothic, Empire and Baroque forms a modern monument to the molecule. This is the Atomium - a construction in the form of a model of a molecule, enlarged billions of times. Giant atoms are connected by pipes, inside which entire corridors pass. An unusual monument was dedicated to the opening of the World Exhibition of Achievements.
Official website: http: //www.atomium
18. Rene Magritte Museum (Brussels)
Placing the most important sights of Belgium on its territories, Brussels did not ignore the creativity of local talents. These include the famous Belgian surrealist artist Rene Magritte. The neoclassical building of 2009, located on Royal Square, houses a permanent exhibition of more than two hundred works by the author. The collection of paintings created in the most mysterious surreal style is complemented by sketches, sculptures, photo experiments, short surrealistic films and other works of the artist. The museum itself is officially part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.
Official website: https: //www.fine-arts-museum
19. Nemo 33 (Ukkel)
If the question, what kind of attraction is in the capital of Belgium , is easy to find the answer in any tourist guide, then do not forget that there are other cities and areas in Belgium that are worthy of attention. For example, in the small Belgian town-commune Ukkel, a center for teaching deep-sea swimming was opened not so long ago. It is unique in that it houses the deepest swimming pool in the world, with a well as deep as 35 meters. The pool is filled with 2.5 thousand cubic meters of fresh purified water, and numerous windows are built into its walls, through which you can watch the swimmers at different depths. The complex was created not only for training in scuba diving, but also for recreation and filming.
Official website: http: //www.nemo-33m
20. Antwerp Central Station (Antwerp)
Among the other famous objects of Antwerp, it is worth highlighting the Cathedral of Our Lady of Antwerp with paintings by famous artists, the Museum of Fine Arts with the works of local and European painters, a major city port, as well as the railway station, recognized as one of the most significant sights of the city. It was Antwerp Central that repeatedly occupied leading places among the most beautiful stations of the whole world. Its building, erected at the beginning of the last century, has an impressive facade, similar to the facades of magnificent medieval palaces. The interior is striking in its luxury and scale - the walls and ceiling are decorated with more than twenty types of marble and other valuable stones.
21. Belfry of Bruges (Bruges)
The main tower of the city of Bruges, which has become its symbol, is a beautiful neo-Gothic building in the center of the Market Square. The first belfry at this place was built in the 13th century - its tower was used to monitor the approaches to the city. Since then, the tower has been repeatedly erected, destroyed, and restored again. Today on its bell tower there are 47 bells that emit a beautiful ringing by means of a carillon. Particularly courageous travelers seek to overcome the path of 366 steps to the top of the tower to see beautiful panoramas from the very peak of this attraction. The Netherlands from here, from an 83-meter height, is seen particularly well, due to the proximity of the bell tower to the border with this state.
22. Leuven (river Dil)
Having asked what to see in Belgium for a week, it is worth making a plan of the most interesting tourist sites that are not very distant from each other. For example, just 30 kilometers from the Belgian capital there is a small and cozy town with lovely colorful houses and cobbled streets. This is Leuven, located on the banks of the Dil River - a world of bustling students, green squares and beautiful old buildings. It is here that the country's oldest and most prestigious university is located, so tens of thousands of local and foreign students come to the city every year to study. Among the places of interest in Leuven are a tourist office organizing walking tours of the city, an elegant stone-lace town hall, the Big Beginage district with hundreds of unique old houses, a beautiful botanical garden.
Official website: https: //www.leuven
23. En-sur-Les (Namur province)
In the Belgian province of Namur, you can visit a mysterious and enchanting natural monument - the karst cave An-sur-Les, formed as a result of the dissolution of limestone rocks by the waters of the Les River. Making its way underground at a depth of about a kilometer, the river once washed an impressive cavity in the rock. You can get inside the cave on a special sightseeing tram, following from the center of the village of the same name. Inside the cave there is always high humidity and low temperature - about +13 degrees. The total length of the internal tunnels is more than 15 km. Of particular note is the stalactite hall, called the "Minaret." The vaults of the hall are dotted with stalactites and stalagmites, whose age reaches 12 thousand years!
Official website: http: //www.grotte
24. Lake of Love (Brugge)
Spring is an ideal time for traveling through the Belgian expanses: optimal temperature and sunny weather contribute to creating excellent conditions for tourism. Choosing what to see in Belgium in May, it is worth including a visit to Lake Love in the trip plan. In one of the most beautiful parks in Belgium - Minnwater, which is especially transformed in the spring, there is an artificial lake, created in the 13th century as a reservoir. Once there was a port with access to the sea and the most important trade routes ran through it, but now it is a great place for May walks, when young greenery pleases with its rich colors, and the air has a comfortable temperature. Since the 15th century, swans have been bred here, and today they are swimming sedately through the calm lake waters.
25. Xuan Forest (Brussels)
When choosing Belgium sights for children, we recommend paying attention to an interesting natural object - the Xuan Forest, located very close to the capital. The forest, spread over a small area of 40 square kilometers, is an ideal place for walking with children, because here you can not just walk, but also meet some inhabitants of the forest - such as squirrels, hares, various species of birds. You can also ride horses, have a picnic in the fresh air, play football, basketball, frisbee, badminton and other sports games in the territory of the sports school located here. In addition, in the forested area there is a large and clean lake where you can go fishing. You can get into the forest from the city by metro.
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