BRUSSELS, THE CAPITAL OF EUROPE I
Brussels , capital of Belgium and known as "The Capital of Europe" , is the headquarters of the main institutions of the European Union (EU). Located in the center of the country, with approximately one million inhabitants, of which a large part, from other countries.
The Atomium
The Atomium, is probably the symbol of Brussels . This structure of 102 meters, which represents an iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times, and designed by architect André Waterkeyn , was built for Expo First Category in Brussels in 1958. It was initially planned that their stay would be six months, but has continued to this day, becoming a major tourist attraction.
As you can see this beautiful structure is made up of nine steel spheres with a diameter of 18 meters, which represent the atoms. Located in the neighborhood Heize l in Bruparck, near the football stadium and next to Mini-Europe Park . And even if your entry is not cheap it is worth visiting, because from the higher atom can enjoy wonderful views of the city.
Playing the Grand Palace in Brussels Mini-Europe Park
As I said earlier, near the Atomium, is the Mini-Europe Park , which contains in its interior views of some of the most famous monuments of the cities of the European Union.
Reproduction of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
This wonderful park is exposed 350 buildings, representing 80 European Union cities. The quality of each of the models is impressive, some of them have come to cost 350,000 euros.
Playing the Monastery of El Escorial
The whole park is home to 24,000 square meters, was inaugurated in 1989 by Prince Philippe of Belgium , and initial investment for its construction was 10 million euros.
Playing The Palace of Westminster
If it was impressive Grand Place in its miniature version in the Park, imagine in real life.
Grand Place in Brussels
The Grand Place in Brussels, is the central square of Brussels. This square was inscribed in 1998 as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, and it found the City and King's House. For some authors, such as Victor Hugo, is considered the world's most beautiful square.
day Brussels City Hall
The building Brussels City Hall is an architectural marvel that was built between 1402 and 1455. Which highlights its gothic tower was designed by architect Jan Van Ruysbroeck. At the top of the tower we see a statue San Miguel, patron saint of Brussels.
City of Brussels by night
the same square in another landmark encentra, La Casa del Rey , despite its name, the king never lived there, and now houses the city museum.
La Casa del Rey
facade of another building located on the Grand Place
As I told you the King never lived in the Casa del Rey, but in the Royal Castle of Laeken .
Royal Castle of Laeken, Brussels
the Royal Castle of Laeken, is where the Belgian royal family since the ascension of Leopold I, and where Napoleon I, signed the declaration of war against Russia.
Statue of Leopold I in front of the Castle
return again to the center with the intention of looking for more material for the next post, and getting lost on the streets surrounded by large buildings and beautiful murals, which left us exposed but still much more to see in the next post ...
Building with mural
Another building with mural