TOP 10 DOMESTIC ATTRACTIONS IN BELGIUM. Will you like to visit Belgium this year? Do
you have issues choosing the right places to visit in this endowed nation? Then you have no worry for
I shall give you nothing but the best of places to visit in this nation. This small nation has
been right at the forefront of Europe's history, with many of the continent's most important events
played out across its countryside. Whether you're here for the ancient or modern history, Belgium
provides a huge chunk of European heritage within a bite-sized piece of land. There is much for one
to see in this remarkable nation. From modern cities boasting designer shops and glamorous
galleries to cobblestone streets laden with museums and native indulgences. Belgium may be
a small country in Western Europe, but it packs a lot of history within its borders. The best places
to visit in Belgium have something for everyone to enjoy on a vacation. Today Grace media presents
the Top 10 Domestic attractions in Belgium. If you are new welcome and be sure to subscribe and turn
on your notification. Let's go on this adventure. 10. MONS BELFRY
This is a medieval city that now serves as the capital of the province of Hainaut,
Mons is best known for the magical and surprising ringing of the town’s glorious Belfry bells,
which hail from the 80-meter (270 foot) tower, 49-bell carillon at the top. The bell tower is
the largest bell weighs in at least five tons. The belfry, constructed in the 17th century, is topped
by an onion-shaped dome. The winding streets allow visitors to easily traverse the city sites
that are a rich mixture of architectural styles. The Gothic-style Mons Town Hall is eye-catching,
and the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru boasts a highly impressive collection of 16th century
Jacques Dubreucq alabaster statue. Naturally, a stop by the Van Gogh House is a must to see
amazing reproductions of this master’s works. It is privileged being home to the only Baroque
belfry in Belgium. The belfry is located on the highest point in Mons, on a square that once
housed a castle, the remains of this castle can be seen today. It is an amazing site to behold.
9. LEUVEN TOWN HALL This hall looks like a Cathedral. It
is home to the oldest Catholic university in the world. Leuven is home to about 100,000 residents
with nearly 35,000 of them being students that keep the city lively when classes are in session.
The long streets which seemingly endless are laden with interesting shops and galleries,
while the more historical section of the city boasts sites such as the Belfry on St. Peter’s
Church and the Grand Beguinage. Visitors will find much action and things to do in the Grote
Markt in Leuven, where sites like the City Hall are adjacent to exceptional dining options
and street side pubs and cafes. This city’s location makes it an ideal alternative to
Brussels as a vacationer’s main hub to explore the rest of the country.
This is a site you should definitely visit on your trip to Belgium.
8. HORTA MUSEUM AND TOWN HOUSES Victor Horta was the most influential
architect and designer of the early 20th-century style known as Art Nouveau.
Several of his stunning buildings survive in Brussels and now constitute a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Let's begin at the Horta Museum, located in his former home and studio.
It has been preserved as he designed them, with the original stained glass,
mosaics, wood work, and decorations. Horta was a pioneer in this artistic revolution that maximized
and diffused natural light and incorporated themes from nature in its sinuous curves.
Horta's aesthetic included attention to every detail of construction and decoration,
from the design of the house to its furniture and even the decoration on hinges and doorknobs.
The two joined buildings of his house and studio show Art Nouveau at its height, and his four major
town houses, Hôtel Tassel, Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel van Eetvelde, and Maison & Atelier Horta which
are also included in the UNESCO site. You won't want to miss this ancient Architectural marvel.
7. GROTE MARKT, MACHELEN The Grote Markt in Mechelen is
a large square at the heart of the city. it is the city’s main square. The guild
houses that still rim the plaza are the major reason to visit the Grote Markt. At one end
of the pedestrian cobblestone square stands St. Rombold’s Cathedral, the city’s largest church,
while the town hall occupies the other end. Restaurants and shops, that once were private
homes, complete the other two sides. When the square was getting underground parking in 2004,
remnants of a 13th century road were found. Today, the square hosts a market on Saturday mornings.
Machelen is a vibrant town that doesn’t draw the tourism that many other Belgium cities do.
It is actually one of the best places to visit in Belgium. From tours of the Beguinage Brewery
to river boat tours, there’s much to see and do in this Flanders locale. A trip to the top of the
St. Rombout Cathedral’s massive tower is the best way to get a panoramic view of the Antwerp Port
and this lovely city. One doesn’t miss stop is the magnificent Carillion School, where students
come from across the globe to get instruction on playing this complex instrument of bells.
6. ANTWERP CENTRAL This Station is the main train station in Antwerp,
Flanders. The stone building was opened in 1905 and presents an imposing façade to travelers.
It’s topped by a huge dome that is 44 meters, 144feet high. The station is considered Belgium’s
best example of railway architecture. It also is considered one of the world’s most beautiful
train stations. Trains depart and arrive on 14 tracks on four levels. Central Station is also
capable of handling high speed trains. The city of Antwerp is a city with many faces.
While it may not be as historically preserved as Bruges or Ghent, it is a very dynamic city. It
offers a perfect mix of history and present-day modern life. Lovers of great food, great beer,
and good times will have all these in this city. This city is well-known for the Diamond District,
where more than 70 percent of the world’s rough diamonds are traded. Art abounds in Antwerp,
with Revenshuis celebrates the baroque works of Peter Paul Ruebens and the Plantin Moretus Museum
is the home of printer and bookbinder Christoffel Plantin. Architectural wonders await with the
1351 construction the gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, and the majestic combination of baroque
and Gothic architecture of the Saint Paul’s. You shouldn't miss having a glance at this marvel.
5. TOURNAI This town is located Adjacent to France.
The quaint and lovely community of Tournai is an excellent place to tune out the hustle and bustle
of larger Belgium cities. It has got more than 2000 years of rich cultural history for you to
explore and this city is home to what is believed to be one of the most beautiful churches in the
world, The Notre Dame Cathedral (cathedral of Our Lady), which features three architectural styles,
Romanesque, Transitional and Gothic. cathedral has five bell towers with ceilings that reach
up to 157 feet high. The two churches were constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries.
The cathedral houses the Shrine of Our Lady and works by Ruvens and Jordans. In fact,
Catholicism has been an important religion in the Walloon city of Tournai since the 6th century.
The town Belfry is the oldest in the country and offers visitors 257 steps to the most remarkable
views in the city of Tournai. The Museum of Fine Arts is filled with masterpieces from primitive
and contemporary artists ranging from Campin and Rubens to Roger Van der Weyden and Van Gogh.
4. GRAVENTEEN CASTLE, OLD TOWN When looking at the 12th century
Gravensteen Castle, one can picture knights in shining armor riding white horses out the gates.
Over the centuries it was used as a prison and factory, with houses built in the courtyard.
Scheduled to be demolished, the city of Ghent rescued it in 1885 and renovated it.
It is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Belgium.
Inside is a museum of torture devices used in Ghent over the ages. This hugely impressive fort
was once the grand home of the counts of Flanders, who took their inspiration for castle-building
from the bulky castles the Crusaders built in Syria. Today, Gravensteen is one of Europe's
best surviving examples of a moated fortress and has been incredibly well-preserved. Its strong
and impressively thick and high walls soar up from the waters of the river Lieve right in
the middle of the old town of Ghent, rising above the rooftops of the surrounding streets. Inside,
the vast arched halls and chambers contain exhibits of medieval life, but it's the castle's
architecture itself that is the real star of the show. You can climb up the staircase to the roof
for panoramic views across town before strolling through Ghent's charming stone-paved streets.
3. BELFRY OF BRUGES Located in northwestern Belgium,
Bruges is one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval towns, boasting an old-world charm and
romantic atmosphere. Once an important center for Flemish art and textiles, Bruges today is
best known for its beautiful canals. Visitors need to be in good physical shape if they want to climb
the Belfry of Bruges as it is 366 steep, narrow steps to the top. Those who complete the climb of
this important symbol of Bruges will be rewarded with great views of the city. The medieval bell
tower dates back to 1240, built at a time when Bruges was a major player in the cloth industry.
It was rebuilt after being destroyed by fire 40 years later, with other fires occurring in
the centuries following. Bells still chime out from the tower today. Bruges may be the largest
city in the West Flanders province, but it is still small enough to explore by walking. Other
attractions in Bruges include the postcard-perfect Old Town. Surrounded by picturesque canals and
medieval walls, the historic district is teeming in beautiful old architecture. Must-do activities
in Bruges include visiting the museums, which exhibit the city’s culture, traditions and art
works by famous Flemish artists. Strolls down cobblestone streets offer dozens of
shops selling delicious chocolates, Belgian beer and traditional lacework. Scenic canal
cruises are readily available, while horse-drawn carriage rides present romantic experiences.
2. GRAND PALACE, BRUSSEL Known for its diversity of sites
and places of interest, Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and is likely where visitors will
begin their sightseeing. As the headquarters of many European institutions, Brussels might also be
considered something of a capital for the European Union. Most notably, the Grand Place is the city’s
center and was established in the 13th century. Terrace cafes and pubs are plentiful around this
central square, as are other sites of interest such as the stunning Gothic style Town Hall.
Shopping is plentiful amid the Galleries St. Hubert, a centrally located glass-roof
arcade filled with shops, cafes, and theaters. Grand Place was named a UNESCO World Heritage
Site for its outstanding representation of late 17th-century architecture. The square is busy
with tourists and locals at all times of year, but especially in August of alternate years, when the
center is filled with the 75- by 24-meter Flower Carpet, made up of more than 700,000 cut begonias.
1. CANALS OF BRUGES Because of its canals Bruges is often called
‘The Venice of the North’. In the Middle Ages the ‘Reie’ river had been turned into a network
of canals that enabled the traders to bring their products to the large Water Halls at the Market.
Nowadays a boat ride on these famous canals provides a great way to see some of Bruges
most beautiful sites. Today, the canals are beautiful reminders of Bruges history,
and cruising or walking along them is one of the most popular things to do in Belgium.
You can have a walk and explore the inner canals, where you'll find beautiful views
of picturesque bridges and glimpse into hidden gardens. You can as well tour the canals by boat,
which you can take from any of five landings. You shouldn't miss this sight when in Belgium.
That was the 10 top Domestic attractions in Belgium. Hope you know how a clue of what
place or places to visit in Belgium. Belgium has a package for everyone,
just choose from the list above and have a satisfying trip. Before you leave, be sure
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