Brussels city history

Brussels, the city of contrasts! Coveted by some, disputed by others.

An historical symbol of a continuous struggle against oppression. It is also a lovable town - which may explain why it is heart-shaped like ail the towns in Brabant. Brussels, although a thousand years old, has been obliged, at the end of the Second World War, to adapt itself to the whirling evolution of housing and above all the unstoppable increase in motor traffic. Everyone regrets that this modern development has not always taken place within the bounds of good taste, but nevertheless the capital of Europe has much to offer to those who are convinced that beauty is not confined to Sienna, Toledo or Rhodes.

A visit to Brussels begins traditionally in the Grand Place. This "forum" has very frequently formed the historical centre of the town. The struggle for independence, the foundation of the gilds, the appoint­ment of rulers and judges, tournaments and joisting ail began in the place entitled "the most beautiful forum in the world" by Jean Cocteau.

Brussels is still a Iively town in spite of being a thousand. It has a double aspect: old and modern. A town of memories. Formidable architecture. An art centre on a world scale. Fascinating history full of love, violence and passion.

Brussels is not an "ancient" town. It developed on an island surrounded by marshes nourished by the stream, the Senne, which in the past, has caused quite a lot of emotion by flooding. It now flows, un­seen, under the town. The island which was called Saint Géry island, after the Bishop of Cambrai and Arras, possessed the first landing-stage in the ninth century, the first on the Senne. A harbour was later constructed there.

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The creation of a fortified stronghold on the island led to the development of a small agglomeration of soldiers, merchants and of­ficials. Today, Brussels is extended to 10 km from the ancient city center. The hotel Comfort Inn Erasme is located at the furthest point from the city center.

Devotion to Sainte Gudule, who together with Saint Michael is patroness of the town, was a unify­ing factor in religious matters.

This primitive settlement developed fast especially on the hill on the island where there was a chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael, who can be observed slaughtering the Devil on the city's coat-f­arms. This chapel was changed in 1047 into the Col­legiate church of Saint Michael and Sainte Gudule. A few years ago poor Sainte Gudule was unmercifully li­quidated by ecclesiastical reformers and the church became the Cathedral of Saint Michael. This beautiful building is the most glorious example of the Brabant gothic style. During a guided visit the various styles ranging from the thirteenth century Romanesque to the late decorated of the sixteenth will be pointed out. The Cathedral possesses many works of art, including the chapel of the Sacrament which is iIIuminated by the splendid renaissance-inspired stained glass windows by Barend van Orley. They were a gift from the brothers and sisters of the Emperor Charles V.

After visiting the beautiful city center, the metro directly gives you the way to your hotel Comfort Inn Erasme Brussels .

More informations on Brussels ….. :

• The Brussels Town Hall
• The “Maison du Roi”
• Daily flower-market
• "Le Roi d’Espagne"
• Evrard 't Serclaes,
• Mannekenpis.
• The Stock Exchange
• The Rue Neuve
• "City 2",
• The Théâtre de la Monnaie
• Saint Hubert Gallery
• The Jardin Botanique
• The Parliament Building,
• Royal Palace
• Place Royale
• Albertina complex
• Ravenstein House,.
• The corner of the Petit Sablon
• The Porte de Halle
• St. Michael's Cathedral
• The church of the Beguines,
• Eglise de N.-D. du Finistère
• Church St. Nicholas'
• Brigittinen church.
• Minimes church. Also known as the church of St. John and St. Steph
• St. Peter' s church
• Basilica of the Sacred Heart (Basilica of Koekelberg)
• The town hall in Brussels (Detailled)
• Maison du Roi (Broodhuis) (Detailled)
• Brewers' House (Brouwershuis or Maison des Brasseurs),
• Lace-making.
• "Toone".
• The Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts
• Musical Instruments Museum (MIM).
• house by Horta.
• Parc du Cinquantenaire.
• Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History of Belgium
• Museum of Art and History
• Huys de Swaene (Swan House)
• Chinese Pavilion
• Japanese Tower
• Royal Central African Museum
• The Brussels Expo
• Universities in Brussels.
• Modern Architecture.
• Airport of Zaventem (Brussels International),
• Antique market on the Grand Sablon
• Gaasbeeck castle
• Castle of Bouchout
• Beersel castle
• Karreveld castle
• Lion of Waterloo