The capital of Flanders, of Belgium, and of Europe, Brussels is a dynamic city wearing many hats. It is the home to near one million inhabitants, about 25% of whom are expatriates. A lively mixture of English, French, Arabic, Dutch, and German can be heard on the streets each day, and Brussels’ numerous universities give the city a refreshingly young vibe, certainly complimenting its status as one of the world’s most important administrative capitals.
The city’s history can be traced back to 979 AD, when a small castle was built by Charles, the banished son of France’s King Louis IV, on Saint-Gery Island in the Senne River. In the 12th century, the town became an important stop on the commercial road between Bruges and Cologne. The city was growing at a rapid pace, so much so that between the years of 1357 and 1379, a new city enclosure had to be constructed, as the former one had proven to be too small; it is now known as the “inner ring” or the “pentagon.”
Like many European cities, Brussels has experienced its fair share of tragedy and destruction. In 1695, the city was attacked by the barbarian general Villeroy of King Louis XIV of France. More than 4,000 houses were set aflame, including the medieval Grand Palace; the famous City Hall miraculously survived.
This was followed by the Belgian Revolution in 1830, following a presentation of Auber’s opera La Muette de Portici at La Monnaie theatre. The following year, Leopold I, the first king of the Belgians, ascended the throne, accomplishing the destruction of the city walls along with the construction of many new buildings. Under Leopold II, the city underwent even more changes – the Senne was culverted (it had been the source of numerous diseases), the North-South junction was built, and the Tervuren Avenue was laid out.
Today, Brussels is a thriving cosmopolitan mecca often unfairly overlooked by tourists to Europe. In addition to its numerous parks and museums, visitors to Brussels will be enchanted by its picturesque medieval streets, lively squares, beautiful boulevards, stunning monuments, cozy cafés, and active sporting and cultural life. Why not plan a trip to the capital of the European Union today and experience firsthand everything the city has to offer.
Express Booking Form
About us
Tell your friends about us
+44 (0) 871 733 30 32
+1 866 387 64 20
+(0)800 282 92 82