Belgium

 

Belgium is a beautiful country in the Western Europe. Like all other countries, it has its own unique history. Belgium’s capital city Brussels is also the administrative centre of the European Union, thus it is often called the EU's capital city. However, the first city of my visit in Belgium is Antwerp. Antwerp is one of Europe’s most important cities because of its port which is one of the largest in the world and because of its Diamond district which is the largest in the world. Antwerp’s railway station is also often cited as the most beautiful railway station in the world. Therefore, the first site of my visit in Antwerp is the railway station of Antwerp and it certainly is beautiful. I have travelled through many railway stations across the world including the Amsterdam Centraal Station and Paris Gare du Nord but Antwerpen-Centraal railway station is uniquely beautiful. However, my personal favorite is the Paris Gare du Nord.

Antwerp features the world’s largest diamond district so it is only wise to visit a diamond workshop in the city. Therefore, the next stop of my visit in Antwerp is a Diamond workshop. Normally you can see sparkling diamonds on display in various diamond stores across the world but in Antwerp, you can see the entire process of the rough stone being cut into a brilliant sparkling diamond. It is a procedure that requires extreme precision. You also get to see many different diamonds of different colors and sizes. Other important places in Antwerp include the Cathedral of our Lady, the Port of Antwerp and the Museum aan de Stroom. Rivers passing through the cities is an important characteristic of many major European cities and Antwerp is no different as the river Scheldt passes through this city. One can sit by the river and enjoy the view.

However, the next Belgian city of my visit is much more exciting. Brussels is often called the EU’s capital city and it has many famous landmarks and monuments. The first place of my visit in Brussels is Atomium. Atomium is a landmark that depicts nine iron atoms in the shape of the body-centred cubic unit cell of an iron crystal, magnified billions of times. The top sphere of Atomium features a panoramic view of the Belgian Capital. This landmark is a homage to science.

Moving on, there are many more important places to see in the Belgian capital. Some of the important buildings that I have seen are the Berlaymont Building, the Europa Building, the Espace Leopold, the Eurocontrol Headquarters and the NATO Headquarters. Additionally, all major cities have their business districts and the Northern Quarter being the central business district of Brussels features a concentration of many of the high-rise buildings of the city. River flowing through a city is a feature of various major European cities and Brussels is no different as it has the River Senne. The Senne is smaller in comparison to major European rivers like the Seine in Paris, France but nonetheless, it is beautiful and adds to the charm of the city.

Cathedrals are important to all European cities and the most important cathedral in the Belgian capital is the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. The edifice is considered as one of the finest examples of Brabantine Gothic architecture. Right in front of the cathedral is a large public space where you can sit, relax and admire the beauty of the surroundings. The space also features a statue of King Baudouin. I love shopping and in Brussels, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert is one of the most famous shopping arcades. Not only it has almost everything that one could ever want but it is also one of the most beautiful shopping arcades that I have ever visited. For theatre lovers, Brussels has the Theatre Royal des Galeries.

My next place of visit is also the most important place in Belgium, known as the Grand Place. Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and is one of the most beautiful squares in the world. It is also one of my favorite places in the Belgian Capital. The Grand Place features the Brussels Town Hall, the Brussels City Museum and a number of Guildhalls. The amazing atmosphere that surrounds you at the Grand Place makes you want to hang around to just admire the views and the architecture of the buildings. It is a feeling that is hard to put in words. Near the Grand Place are shopping centers and restaurants from you can get almost anything. Additionally, walking the streets is the best way to experience more of this beautiful city.