Let’s Plan Our Holiday

Belgium is a small country in the north of Europe. The country is divided into two main regions: Flanders (Dutch spoken) and Wallonia (French spoken). Brussels (Capital) is also the Capital of Europe and is hometown of the European Commission and to the Council of ministers of the European Union. It is a bilingual city so both Dutch and French are the official languages of the city. The most important cities in Flanders are:

- Antwerp, International Port, the mayor diamond centre of the world, the hometown of Rubens. Visit: Cathedral of our Lady, House of Rubens, Diamond Museum.

- Ghent, a historical city centre with many pedestrian streets. Visit: the Cathedral of St. Bavo, St. Nicolas Church and the Belfry, the Gravensteen.

- Bruges, Venice of the North they call it. This city seems to be living in its history. The small canals, the narrow alleys, Middle Age buildings, nothing ever changed. St. John’s Hospital (Memling collection), the beguinage, The Holy Blood Chappel, in fact the whole of the city centre is a historical museum. Bruges is also famous for its lace.

- Mechelen, smaller town in between Antwerp and Brussels. The huge St. Rombold tower is its landmark and can be seen far outside the city. Mechelen is also known for its unique Carillon school and for its breweries.

- Leuven, harbours the oldest university of the country and its buildings can be found all over the town. The Gothic Town Hall is the most preciously adorned building in the city.
The most important cities in Wallonia are:

- Liège, a city shaped by hills. Visit: city centre, Prince-Bishop’s Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral.

- Namur, situated at the banks of the river Meuse. Visit: the city centre, the Citadel, Felicien Rob’s museum.