Belgium – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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Belgium, located in Western Europe, has a rich and complex history that has shaped its identity as a crossroads of European cultures.

Belgian history at short

Belgium’s history begins with Roman influence in Gallia Belgica. During the medieval period, the Duchy of Burgundy shaped the region economically and culturally. The 16th century brought religious strife and the Eighty Years’ War, leading to Spanish rule. In 1713, the region passed to Austrian rule after the War of Spanish Succession and later became part of the French Empire under Napoleon.

The Belgian Revolution in 1830 resulted in independence, establishing the Kingdom of Belgium. The 19th century saw rapid industrialization, positioning Belgium as a leading industrialized nation. Despite being neutral, the country was heavily impacted by both World War I and World War II, with significant battles fought on its soil.

Post-war Belgium played a pivotal role in the formation of the European Union, hosting its headquarters in Brussels. Today, Belgium is known for its multiculturalism, linguistic diversity.

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Medieval Ghent. Trade, Textiles, and Architecture

When I visited Ghent I did not not expect much beyond a pleasant walk. But stepping off the tram into the historic centre, I found myself surrounded by the legacy of medieval Ghent – towers, churches, and guildhalls that still speak of the city’s past as a wealthy and self-governing hub of trade and craftsmanship..

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Patria. In commemoration of 1830

Pro Patria, the monument at the Martyrs’ square in Brussels, commemorating the events of 1830. The female figure carved from Carrara marble in 1838 by Guillaume Geefs represents Belgium standing on the chains of oppression after years under foreign rule..

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Between dreams and reality

Brussels is a meeting place for people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. On trips when it is not just fly-in-fly-out the same day, it is worth to ask around what to do in free time. A couple of months ago while in Brussels, a colleague of mine proposed to go to an art museum devoted to the Belgian surrealist René Magritte.

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Crusader King

The statue on the photo above I photographed a bit accidentally in Brussels on the royal route, while standing at a street crossing and waiting for a green light. Who the man on the horse was surprised. I realized only back home while processing the photo.

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The very beautiful chapel of Bruges

The Basilica of the Holy Blood, located in Bruges, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica renowned for housing a relic of the Holy Blood allegedly collected by Joseph of Arimathea. Established in the 12th century, the chapel exhibits both Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, reflecting its rich historical and religious significance.

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Belgium – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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Le Roy d’Espagne

Le Roy d’Espagne (the King of Spain), also known in Dutch as Den Coninck van Spaignien, is house No. 1 on the Grand Place. Built in 1697, after the square’s reconstruction following the 1695 French bombardment, served as the headquarters for the bakers’ guild.

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The Grand Place No. 9 & 10

Grand Place, Brussels, on the absolutely must-see list while in Belgium. The probably most beautiful main square in Europe. In the middle of the photo above you may see the houses no. 9 and 10.

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Beurse. The very roots of exchange trading

The first official exchanges did not emerge from nowhere. In the early middle ages, commodity trading at seasonal fairs was practiced in many European countries from South to North. But only in a few places, the trade was genuinely international. Quite naturally, the local inns (taverns) were the meeting points for handlers. One of them was an inn called ‘The Three Purses’ in Bruges.

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The Belgian chocolate

The chocolate industry has deep historical roots dating back to the 19th century. Renowned for its craftsmanship, Belgium has earned a global reputation for producing high-quality chocolate. Belgian chocolatiers emphasize traditional techniques and use premium cocoa beans, resulting in a distinctive and rich flavor profile. The industry is marked by a diverse range of products, including pralines and truffles. Notable brands like Neuhaus, Godiva, and Leonidas exemplify the country’s commitment to chocolate excellence.

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Sacre Coeur of Brussels

Counting to the European top 10 as per size, one of the two biggest churches in Belgium – the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Brussels. The Basilica is located a bit aside from the city center in the north-western part of Brussels on the Koekelberg hill.

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French fries

Despite the name, trace their origins to Belgium. Dating back to the late 17th century, villagers in the Meuse Valley were known for frying small fish. During winter, when the river froze, they turned to potatoes as a substitute. In the 19th century, the term “French fries” emerged when American soldiers encountered the dish in Belgium during World War I. The name stuck, perpetuating the misconception. Typically served with an array of sauces, Belgian fries are an integral part of the country’s gastronomic heritage.

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Belgium – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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The Hermitage and the Fortune

One of the most significant buildings at the Grand Place in Brussels is the House of Dukes of Brabant. No. 14 hosts the carpet makers and goes with the name ‘The Hermitage‘. House No. 15 is called ‘The Fortune‘.

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Belgium – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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Belgium – History, Sightseeing, Curiosities

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Our Lady of Antwerp

The interior of this huge Gothic cathedral dominating over over old city of Antwerp seems very austere. But the thirty-four huge stained glass windows, detailed carpentry, and huge paintings displayed in the side naves are real eye-catchers. Already, at first sight, you are under the impression, the Cathedral is an art gallery. You may admire here the works by Rubens as well as other Flemish (or Belgian) masters.

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Belgium’s diverse cities

include Brussels, its capital and largest city, a diplomatic and EU hub. Antwerp, the second-largest, is a global diamond trading center. Ghent and Bruges attract tourists with medieval charm. Charleroi is an industrial hub, while Liège and Namur serve as cultural and economic centers. Leuven, with one of Europe’s oldest universities, exudes a lively atmosphere.

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Walking the streets of historical Ghent

Ghent is a city in Belgium in Flanders (the Dutch-speaking Northern Belgium).  Already in the first Millennium, it was the location of two important abbeys and a trading center. Ghent was inland and maritime port thanks to its sea access through rivers and later artificial canals.

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A striking example of multilingualism

Comprising three main linguistic communities -Dutch-speaking (Flemish) in the north, French-speaking in the south (Walloon), and a small German-speaking community in the east -Belgium navigates daily life in a linguistic tapestry. The capital, Brussels, is uniquely bilingual, hosting both French and Dutch as official languages. This linguistic diversity is a foundational element of Belgian identity, shaping interactions, politics, and education.

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Historic city of Bruges

Historic city of Bruges is the biggest preserved medieval town in Europe with its cobblestone streets, canals, and remarkable architecture. A center for trade and art in the Middle Ages, Bruges’ historic Markt square bustles with life, surrounded by guild houses and the iconic Belfry tower.

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Etterbeek by night

Known for its diverse, cosmopolitan population, Etterbeek, a quarter in Brussels, is home to numerous European Union institutions, including parts of the European Commission. The area boasts a mix of residential, educational, and diplomatic premises.

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The Battle of Waterloo (1815)

Although often associated with France and Napoleon, the Battle of Waterloo actually took place in present-day Belgium, just south of Brussels. It marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and reshaped the political landscape of Europe. The allied forces, led by the Duke of Wellington and Prussian commander Blücher, defeated Napoleon’s army in a decisive clash.

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The invention of the saxophone (1840s)

The saxophone, now a staple in jazz, classical, and pop music, was invented in the 1840s by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian instrument maker from Dinant. Sax aimed to create an instrument that combined the power of brass with the agility of woodwinds. His invention revolutionised military bands and later became central to the development of jazz in the 20th century.

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The invention of the Smurfs (1958)

The Smurfs, known for their blue skin and mushroom-shaped houses, were created in 1958 by Belgian cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford). They first appeared as side characters in a medieval-themed comic before gaining their own series due to their sudden popularity. Over time, the Smurfs became a global phenomenon, inspiring comics, TV shows, toys, and films.

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