Brussels - Cultural Capital Of Europe

Being the epicentre of European politics, Brussels may not immediately spring to

mind in the same way as Paris or Rome does when planning a short European break. Housing both the European Commission and the Council of the European Union, not to mention international organisations such as NATO, Brussels is indeed a bustling business and political hub, but it is also a historical and cultural hotspot.

Founded around the turn of the 10th century A.D., Brussels developed quickly into a commercial centre, largely due to its location on the shores of the river Senne. This, in turn, lead to the creation of some wonderful Gothic architecture such as the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral which still stands strong after almost a millennium, and the Abbey of la Cambre which was initially founded in 1196.

But much of historic Brussels was destroyed in the 19th century to make way for a newer and more modern city. Of the remaining old city, there is La Grand Place, the central square that is beautiful and bustling in equal measures. There are many bars and chocolate shops around this area and is a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

For culture vultures, Brussels offers almost 100 different museums, some of which are grand in scale, others a little more humble. One of the more quaint museums is the Rene Magritte Museum. Situated in the former home of the famous Belgian surrealist painter, this museum can only accommodate 20 people at a time, but it provides a fascinating insight into Magritte's life, displaying original paintings as well as artifacts such as furniture and personal belongings.

Then there is the Atomium, a large iconic structure consisting of 9 steel spheres each of which are connected by long tubes. Originally built for the 1958 Brussels World Fair, it has often been referred to as the Eiffel Tower of Brussels. Visitors traverse between the large spheres via escalators, and there is a variety of fascinating exhibitions and artifacts, each providing insight into life in the 1950s.

Of course, a fundamental asset to any city is its accessibility, and Brussels doesn't disappoint. The city itself is comprehensively serviced by an underground metro system as well as buses and trams. And for international visitors, flights to Brussels from London are plentiful, taking around an hour.

Brussels is an accessible, bustling, business and political hub that also manages to retain a strong sense of history and culture. Situated only an hour from London, it is a worthwhile alternative to other clichd European city destinations, making it the perfect place for a weekend break.

by: Neha sharma

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