You would need a week to properly see Brussels, but if you only have a few hours, make good use of your time and take an organized tour. I was fortunate to be on an AmaWaterways river cruise shore excursion when I visited the capital of Belgium and the European Union.
We took a bus to Brussels and our onboard tour guide Taz gave us an overview of the city’s history and once we were in the city proper, he pointed out significant landmarks including the Royal Palace of Laeken where the royal family lives. Taz explained that Brussels has been the site of settlement since prehistoric times. The city of Brussels was officially founded in 979 by Charles, Duke of Low Lotharingia, who set down Brussels’ first city charter. This long history is evidenced by many sites throughout the city.
(The Atomium)
Our first stop was the Atomium. Built for the 1958 World Exhibition, it is shaped on the model of an elementary iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. Although guests can go inside to see a permanent exhibition about its history as well as dine at its restaurant, our stop was simply a photo op and then we were back on the bus headed toward the heart of the city.
After driving through the financial district, it was time for our walking tour. AmaWaterways provided us with listening devices so we could easily hear everything our guide was telling us as we maneuvered crowded sidewalks on our way to one of the city’s most famous landmarks— Manneken Pis (which means little pee man in Flemish).
Sure enough, there was a crowd of people vying for a spot to photograph the 24 inch high statue, this day dressed in green and yellow. Taz told us the little guy has his own full time dresser and his clothes are changed often to celebrate the season or special events.
There are many legends as to why the bronze fountain statue was first erected.
One story tells of a father who lost his son in the city and after receiving help from villagers to find the boy, he gifted this statue to them. Another tells of a boy who was a spy during a siege of the city. He put out the fuse of a bomb by urinating on the explosives.
Next we are led to the Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Construction began in the 15th century with market halls, trade guild houses and a town hall to establish the authority of this trading center. Bombarded for three days by the French army in 1695, it was rebuilt which is why there are several architectural styles standing side by side: Gothic, baroque, neoclassical and neogothic.
(Brussels Town Hall)
One of the most prominent buildings is Brussels Town Hall. Beautiful sculptures adorn its walls, and it has a beautiful tower topped by the archangel Saint-Michael. Built the first time in the 15th century, it fell victim of the 1695 French attack and was rebuilt.
We are given two hours to explore on our own so that we could take photos at our leisure, explore the Grand-Place as well as surrounding streets and shop.
At the appointed time, Taz met us and led us back to the bus and back to our ship, AmaCerto. It was a wonderful experience to visit Brussels; to learn about its rich history and enjoy a few hours in this beautiful city.
For more information:
AmaWaterways – www.amawaterways.com
Brussels – www.brussels.info
More sights from the Grand Place follow:
