Belgium

General

Belgium is a country of Northwest Europe and has borders with Germany, the Netherlands, Luxemburg and France. Moreover, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg form the Low Countries, a term that demonstrates their below sea level geographic location. Belgium’s population is divided is two main groups, namely the Flanders that constitute the 58% of the inhabitants and speak Dutch and the French speaking population of Wallonia, inhabited by 32%. There is also a small portion of German speaking people situated mainly in the eastern part of Wallonia. The country is a major tourist destination of central Europe, especially due to Brussels, its historical capital, and many other important cities. Plenty hotels in Brussels accommodate every year thousands of tourists that want to visit the headquarters of the European Union or other international organizations such as NATO.

History

The history of Belgium is been embodied by a series of political, cultural and demographic turbulences. The first who gave an official state in the country were the Romans. After elbowing the local tribes, the Romans conquered the area and created the province of Gallia Belgica. This name was the first report to the country known today as Belgium. During the fifth century, the gradual immigration of Frankish tribes in the area led to the kingdom of Merovingian that evolved into the Carolingian Empire. The years that followed the Middle Ages, the country encountered periods of prosperity and economic bloom but also some devastating wars. More specifically, until the day of its independence in 1830, a number of French, Spanish and Austrian conquerors fought in Belgium some of the most destructive wars of the 17th and 18th century. The period that followed Belgium’s independence meant the enactment of Africa’s colonization and specifically the colonization of Congo or Belgian Congo (1908), Rwanda and Burundi or Ruanda-Urundi (1924). Congo gained its independence in 1960 and the other colonies in 1962. Today, Belgium and particularly Brussels, host major institutions of the European Union such as the European Commission and the European Parliament.

Art and Culture

The particular history and especially the demographic particularities of Belgium have greatly been depicted in Belgian culture and art as well, where French and Flemish elements have infused a unique artistic diversity. Specifically, Flemish painting, especially from 1300 to 1900, has borrowed elements from the Dutch style of the period and differs significantly from the French style of Wallonia. On the other hand, the French influence is mainly apparent in Art Nouveau (see Art Nouveau and Symbolist art in Brussels.). Today, people that love painting should visit the Royal Museums of Fine Arts (see Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Belgium.), which is built two centuries ago and accommodates about twenty thousand paintings, drawings and sculptures. It is consisted of the Ancient Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum, the Wiertz Museum and the Meunier Museum. Other important museums include among others the Musee Royal De l’ Afrique Centrale, L’ Autre Musee and the Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinee.

Gastronomy

As in culture, art and everyday life the Flemish and French element is also apparent in Belgium’s gastronomic tradition. However, after many years of mutual influences, local specialties and unique delicacies have been emerged. Belgians love food, a fact that is also been depicted in the ratio to restaurants per head of its population, which equals France. Meat dishes usually include beef, pork and sheep, but a great variety of hunting is available as well. Wild boar, roebuck, poultry and hare are on menus in a great variety throughout the country. Seafood is also plentiful. Particularly, the coastal area is famous for its North Sea fish, shellfish dishes and freshwater lobster. Belgium is also known for its chips, usually served with mayonnaise or mussels and can be found in cantinas and small street snack bistros. Famous local vegetables are endive and sprouts from Brussels. Another famous dish is the waterzooi soup, which resembles a stew. Moreover, once in Belgium you should not forget tasting the fantastic Belgian chocolates, known for their variety and splendid flavor. Finally yet importantly, Belgium is famous for its beers, which comprise national drink of the country. There are over four hundred types of beer in Belgium, ranging from pilsners and lagers to Lambic, fruit beers such as Kriek and white beer varieties. Popular Belgian beers are Stella, Artois, Duvel, Chimay, Leffe, Hoegaarden and Gueuze, a distinctive Brussels specialty.  

Places to visit

One of the must destinations of Belgium is Brussels, which apart from the capital city of Belgium is also the capital of Europe, hosting the headquarters of the European Union. Brussels is a fantastic destination with great atmosphere and unique beauties. Some of the places you have to visit in Brussels are the well-known Grand' Place, which is in the centre of Brussels and comprises the most popular area of the city, the Atomium, the Palais Royal, the Cathédrale Saint-Michel, the Rue des Bouchers and of course the European headquarters. Apart from its splendid sites, Brussels will amaze you with its cozy cafés and French style restaurants. Additionally, hotels in Brussels are among the most chic hotels of Europe. Thus, reserve a hotel in Brussels and add some fabulous moments to your trip. After settling this down, take your time and stroll around the many different districts, soak up the special atmosphere and discover the comfortable and relaxed spirit of the city. Brussels is a place that combines history and present-day reality with a remarkable way. Being very fashionable, designer, creative and at the same time authentic, it is a city that you must visit.

Another city of Belgium that you should visit is Antwerp. With a spectacular city centre and greatly vivid atmosphere, Antwerp is a marvelous place. It is famous for its bars and cafes and of course its superb museums and art galleries. Moreover, many hotels in Antwerp offer excellent services and delicious homemade breakfasts and meals. It is suggested that you reserve a hotel in the centre of Antewerp so as to stroll around the old stone streets and discover some of the most cozy neighbourhoods in Belgium. Another must destination of Belgium is Bruges. Only one and half hours away from Antwerp, Bruges is a city that you should not miss. Great canals, traditional carriages and fantastic  chocolateries with incredible varieties of chocolate synthesize the scenery of the fairy tale city of Bruges. Do not waste time and reserve a hotel in Bruges. It is certain that you  will be fascinated from the uniqueness and exquisiteness of the place. Leuven is another popular destination of Belgium. It is a student city with very vibrant lifestyle and cozy bars and restaurants. It is therefore suggested that you book a hotel in Leuven during the weekend in order to enjoy the city's lively atmosphere in its peak. Other cities worthy visiting include Gent, Oostende, Diegem, Hasselt and Liège. Particularly, in the area of Gent there are many traditional windmills and castles surrounded by small rivers, lakes and green fields. Hotels in Gent are known for their authentic style and warm environment.