“A gay little city that lies as bright within its girdle of woodland as any butterfly that rests upon the moss.“
Brussels is the capital of Belgium and one of the three administrative regions within the country. Apart from its role within the country, it is also an internationally important city, hosting numerous international institutions, and in particular the core institutions of the European Union. Its significance as a center of international governance and business makes Brussels a true global city- a status shared with such metropolises as New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo.
Brussels blends the heritage of a medieval Flemish town with the grandiose projects initiated after it became the capital of what was then a French-speaking country, as well as some impressive modern architecture erected in a large part to house the international institutions. Brussels in now bilingual, hosting and officially recognizing the Dutch and French speaking communities of Belgium, and has become increasingly international with the influx of people of various origin. This all makes Brussels a rather unique blend, sprinkled with a number of Belgian peculiarities, and for the inquisitive tourist a large treasure chest to discover.
The cityscape swings from majestic to quirky to rundown and back again. Art deco facades face off against 1960s concrete developments, and regal 19th-century mansions contrast with the shimmering glass of the EU’s Gotham City. This whole maelstrom swirls out from Brussels’ medieval core, where the Grand Place is surely one of the world’s most beautiful squares. But Brussels’ greatest architectural expression came at the turn of the 19th century with art nouveau, and its master builder is Horta. While restraint characterizes his exteriors, the interiors are sensual symphonies of form and color.
If you are in Belgium, don’t forget to visit its capital and fall in its awe and mesmerism or plan a special trip to Brussels simply for its international significance. The official currency of Brussels is the Euro (1 EUR= 85.52 INR).
As the center of European culture and institutions, Brussels has much more to offer than most people imagine. Apart from its famous chocolates and beers, there are almost 90 museums, beautiful parks, architecture, bars and much more.
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