Byo Palsson – Wikimedia

10 Most popular Attractions and Landmarks in Belgium


 

This country in western Europe is well-known for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture and several UNESCO Heritage Sites. There are three languages spoken in this country Dutch, French and German.

Belgium’s capital Brussels has several attractions ranging from the 14th-century guildhalls to the 20th century Art Nouveau townhouses.

Other cities such as Bruges boast medieval cobbled streets and beautiful canals. Ghent and Mechelen also have charming medieval towns and art museums.  

Other than the landmarks that attract millions of tourists to this country annually, the cuisine here is another great attraction. Antwerp hosts an annual food festival while Oostduinkerke hosts a Shrimp festival in June every year.

Unsure of what to see or where to go to while in Belgium? Here are the top 10 most popular attractions and landmarks in Belgium.  

1. A visit to the Atomium, Brussels

Byo Palsson – Wikimedia

The Atomium is the most popular landmark and the crown jewel of Brussels. This massive aluminium structure was designed by architect Andre Waterkeyn. It was made to celebrate the Brussels World Exhibition in 1958.

This structure resembles a gigantic iron molecule blown up 160 million times. Its interiors are as futuristic as the exterior. The Atomium has nine huge steel balls that are connected with thin tubes.

There is a museum with a permanent exhibition on the history of the structure. For a panoramic view of Brussels, head over the upper floor of the Atomium.

2. The Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, Laeken

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These are a vast complex of monumental heated greenhouses found in the park of the Royal Castle of Laeken, north of Brussels.

What is striking about these greenhouses is the art nouveau architecture. The plants are also quite pleasing to the eye and are the perfect place to go for aromatherapy.

These greenhouses were commissioned by King Leopold II in the 19th century. The domed roof of the greenhouses resembles the royal crown.  

When the greenhouse was completed, the building was to serve as a royal chapel.

The greenhouses are usually opened to the public during spring. They are made up of three climate settings; tropical, sub-tropical and cold.    

3. The Memorial of Waterloo

This memorial commemorates the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte on the fields near Waterloo in 1815.

There is a man-made hill known as Lion’s Mound that recounts the victory of the coalition that defeated the French.  

The Memorial, the Lion’s Mound and the Panorama of the Battle of Waterloo are found along the Route du Lion in the province of Walloon Brabant.

Its surrounding area has several monuments that celebrate the battle for example the Monument to the Belgians, the Monument to the Hanoverians, the Gordon Monument, and the 8th Line Infantry Regiment Stele.

4. The fairy-tale city-Bruges

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Bruges is a city located in north-western Belgium. It is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe. This city was once the hub for Flemish art and textiles.

Today, this city is loved and toured by many for its beautiful meandering canals. The foundation of the city was dug on the banks of River Reenie and with time the city expanded as did the waterways connect.

These canals are a beautiful reminder of the history of this city. There are cruise tours that popular with both locals and tourists. Walking tours are also popular along the canals.

During the tour, be sure to check out the beautiful bridges, inner canals and hidden gardens. Other attractions worth seeing on land is the belfry and Halle at the main square in the city.     

5. Mechelen’s Grote Markt, Mechelen

This is one of Belgium’s most charming and historic city. There are several attractions in this city worth visiting. You can tour the medieval cathedral and admire the gothic architecture, or go for boat rides.

The main attraction here however is the Grote market located in the city and is dominated by St Rumbold’s Tower. This market is close to other landmarks such as the city hall and quaint cafés.  

Walking around the market square, you will notice that the houses around it are from different times and in different styles, including sixteenth-century renaissance and eighteenth-century rococo.

6. The Belfry of Mons, Mons

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The belfry of Mons is one of the more recent among the belfries of Belgium and France. It was classified as a UNESCO site in 1992 and is the only belfry in the country built in baroque style.

This belfry dominates the skyline of Mons and stands at a height of 87 metres.  The architect that designed the belfry was Louis Ledoux. He died before it was completed in 1667.

During World War II, the belfry was used to warn in case of fires and alerts of bombardments. The belfry is home to 49 bells.

7. Castle of Bouillon, Bouillon

Bouillon Castle is a medieval castle in the town of Bouillon in the province of Luxembourg, Belgium. This castle has been in existence for longer than when it was first recorded in 988 AD.

Built on a hill overlooking the city, the castle’s first occupants are believed to have been the Romans.

There are three drawbridges, a dungeon and a torture chamber that are open to tourists. This castle has a unique defence system that was used to protect it from invaders.

The castle got its name from its previous owner, Godfrey Bouillon. He later sold it to finance his participation in the First Crusade.

8. The Tournai Cathedral, Tournai

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This Cathedral was built in the first half of the 12th century. One thing that stands out about this cathedral is its Romanesque nave of extraordinary dimensions.

There are several sculptures in the cathedral. The five towers of the church were built in the gothic style. This cathedral was listed as a Belgian property in 1936.

You will find the Issue of Souls in Purgatory painting by the great Flemish artist, Peter Paul Rubens inside this cathedral.

9. The Battlefields of Flanders

This memorial celebrates the allied troops that lost their lives during World War I. The Flanders Fields Museum documents the series of events that took place during the war.

These battlefields are major pilgrimage sites. Some trenches run around Ypres town as well as cemeteries for the fallen soldiers.  

Some of the cemeteries are the Tyne Cot Cemetery (British) and Langemark’s German War Cemetery.

10. Meuse Valley

For a feel of the laid-back rural life of Belgium, Meuse Valley is the place to go. This valley is supplied by the Meuse River which also offers scenic views of the countryside.

The Meuse Valley has hiking and cycling trails if you want to add some activities to your holiday. There are several historic towns, châteaux and abbeys along the valley.