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Interesting Facts
- Grand-Place, Brussels' historic square, is the heart of social and civic activities and is world-famous for its blending of architectural styles. Particularly entrancing is the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), a Gothic masterpiece which the French tried to destroy in the bombardment of 1695. Although the area was devastated and many houses and churches were razed, this government building was left almost untouched. Today, it's surrounded by ornate, 17th-century guild houses.
- The first languages spoken in Brussels were dialects of Dutch that gradually disappeared in the 19th and 20th centuries as written language became more standardized. Today the official languages of the Brussels Capital Region are Dutch and French, but most residents speak French.
- Brussels won its independence from the Netherlands in 1830, and in 1831, Leopold I became king and rebuilt the city.
- The Art Nouveau movement flourished in Brussels, generating several influential leaders such as architect Victor Horta, who attended the city's academy of fine arts.
- In Brussels, visitors can see Big Ben, the fall of the Berlin Wall, a Spanish bull fight and more, at Mini Europe, a unique amusement park filled with models of famous EU landmarks.
- The River Senne once ran through Brussels but during the 19th century the waterway filled up with waste and became heavily polluted. A decision was made to cover the river and build streets over the top, completely changing the layout of the city. In the 1930s, the course of the river was diverted away from the center, and the unused tunnels became the north-south underground tram line still in use today.
- Brussels shows its appetite for variety with its annual themes, such as "Year of the Beer" and "Fashion and Design," which provide ideas for new events and celebrations.
- Brussels serves as a headquarters for several international organizations including two branches of the European Union (the European Commission and the Council of the European Union); NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization); and EUROCONTROL, the European Organization for the Safety of Air Navigation.
- The Atomium, one of Brussels' most well-known landmarks, stands in Heysel Park. Modeled after a crystal molecule, the structure consists of eight steel spheres surrounding a center sphere, connected by twelve escalator tubes. Visitors enter the spheres via the escalators to see the exhibitions inside as well as great views of the city.
- Don't miss the national delicacies the Belgian capital has to offer. Among the favorites are waffles, chocolate, mussels and beer.
