Belgium, with its rich boiling draught beer, chocolate, oil paints and bureaucracy, emits the striking odor of prosperous bourgeoisie. However, if you smell about this country better, you will find out an “artificial state”, roughly concocted of two-thirds of German Flanders and one third of Celtic-Latin Wallonia, divided between themselves with, primarily, national pride, and secondly, language. The inhabitants of this country are characterized by strong family ties and the spirit of non-interference into other people’s affairs. If Belgium’s historical role on the European arena remains vague, it’s only because Belgians are not used to boast of their achievements. This county has much more historical landmarks, masterpieces of art, architecture and gastronomy per square centimeter of its area than larger and more boastful neighboring countries.
Even though the capital of this small country hosts the European Union and NATO headquarters, the symbol of Brussels is not some important institution or imposing cathedral. It’s a tiny, just 60 cm in height, bronze boy - Manneken Pis, which has been carrying on his simple, but important business since 1619.
But in order to see the real Belgian landmarks it’s better to leave Brussels for a while and go to the countryside. One hour ride on a train to westward, and you are greeted by famous Ghent, one of the most beautiful cities not only in Belgium, but, probably, in the whole of Europe.
A bit further to the West, and we are in a doll’s city of Brugge. From the city tower (you will have to climb 366 steps to get there, but it’s worth it) you can see the surrounding country from the bird’s eye view. Galloping through the city’s ancient streets in a carriage is not bad either.
To the South of the capital lies totally quiet Bouillon. However, this is a bit far. Within 20 minutes to the East you will find the small cozy town of Leuven, the home to the legendary Stella Artois beer, a transparent and shiny drink (unlike the traditional unfiltered beer) that was brewed by the brewer Artois for Christmas of 1926 and called him Stella, in honor of the Christmas star.
By the way, beer is justly considered one of the main attractions of the country. Belgium has about 600 (!) varieties of beer, and brewing and even bottling traditions here date back to almost a thousand years. That same brewery in Leuven, where Stella, Leffe and Hoegaarden are brewed, has existed on the same place since 1366! Every year, an international contest of “beer” barmen takes place here, and Leuven University even has a Brewery Academy.
Did this tickle your imagination? Then we offer you to take a plunge into this inimitable medieval romantic atmosphere and take a virtual tour of Belgium via our site, which has been created with great admiration and love for this tiny oasis of European history and culture.
