Bruges

The Tanner's Square and its Tanners' Guildhouse (1630) boast beautiful facades. The Belfry and Halles bear witness to Bruges' grandeur back in the 1th century. The Halles are built in Gothic style and the interior gallery in Renaissance style. The city's charters were kept in this 83 metre high tower and suspended from the bell that was used to warn citizens of any danger. Many pilgrimages to the shrine of Santiago de Compostela set out from Bruges. 

Ghent

The Rabot, with its two round towers is a sliuce gate. The name comes for the French for "closing down", rabattre, which refers to the movement of the beams. A plaque reminds visitors that this is where the people of Ghent defeated the army of the German Emperor in 1488.

The Graslei, which used to be known as the most beautiful street in Europe, was a whaet trading centre. The central house, de Spijker, in Roman style, dates from 1200. Alongside it stands the Guildhouse (1526) and the small house of the Tonlieu that was home to the tax collector (1682)

Leuven

Leuven's town hall was built in the middle of the 15th century to a design by Matheus de Layens. The Gothic architecture is more reminiscent of a reliquary than of a stone emblem of civic pride. The Town Hall's facades are vertically sectioned by niches which stood unoccupied until the 19th century, they now show characters from local history.

Antwerp

Here we find the monumental Renaissance town hall, designed by Cornelis Floris de Vriendt. The brass eagles on the corners symbolise the city's ties with the German Empire. The Square is surrounded by late 16th century Guilhalls which form a splendid backdrop for the fountain of Brabo. This figure, the work of Jef Lambeaux, portrays the legend behind the name of Antwerp. According to the legend, Silvius Brabo finds his way barred by a giant, Antigone, who demands a toll, the Roman hacks Antogone's hand off and throws it (hand-werpen) into the river Scheldt. The land between the Rhine and the Scheldt was thereby freed and received the name Brabant.

Liege

The high and truly imposing Curtius house is a classic example of Meuse Renaissance. It was built between 1600 and 1610 by order of Jean de Corte. He was ennobled by both the Spanish king and the German Emperor, latinized his name into Curtius and invested a great deal of his wealth in charitable works and  in his impressive house. Liege was the most important Belgian centre of armaments manufacturing. Its favourable location on the banks of the River Meuse led to a flourishing arms trade with various European cities.

general information

Kingdom

capital: Brussels

area: 30 500 km2

population: 11 millions

population density/km2: 361

EU member since 1952

National holiday: July 21

national anthem: La Brabanconne

• Belgians eat more chips than anyone else.

• Half the energy used in Belgium is nuclear power. Belgium, with Antwerp as the main centre, accounts for 70% of the world's diamond cutting industry.

• Belgium is the EU country which exports the highest percentage of its production. 

• Belgium is divided into three communities and three regions: the Flemish community, the French-speaking community and the German-speaking community. The regions are Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. 

• Its political architecture is highly complex.

• An average Belgian consumes 8 kg of chocolate per annum and per inhabitant.

Home to Flemish, French and German speaking people, Belgium is a playground where European history and modern lifestyle come together. Stroll around the funky cafes of Brussels for some great hot chocolate or home brewed beer, and step into the stylish world of Antwerp where bars are open 24 hours. Don't miss the gorgeous towns of Bruges, Ghent, Ostend and la Roche-en-Ardenne.

Dinant

The early Gothic Our-Lady church or Collegiate of Dinant is famed for its impressive site against a solid rock wall. The striking, pear-shaped tower, not in the original drawings, also contribute to its renown. Despite damage sustained due to falling rocks and the ravages of war, the church has consistently been restored to its former glory. 

Dinant is also known as the Citadel town, due to the magnificent position of its citadel on a promontory overlooking the town.