Beautiful Places

Nature and Culture Park

2012-01-11T20:17:00.001+01:00

The Nature and Culture Park in Hasselt stretches out over 1,5 hectares. Main purpose of the park is giving us an idea of biodiversity and the riches of boxwood.

Visitors can also discover old crafts like weaving willow and rotan, presented in a modern way. In the center of the park stands a huge basket, one of the biggest hand-woven willow baskets in the world. It's open to public and offers
a splendid view of the park.

View location in Hasselt, Belgium.

Huidenvettersplein

2011-12-28T20:26:00.000+01:00

Huidenvettersplein(Tanners Square) is a small square located between the Quai of the Rosary and Burg Square. The former guildhall(1630-1716) of the tanners or leather workers can still be found here today.

In the center of the square you can see a pedestal with two lions on it. They hold the coat of arms of the tanners.

View location in Bruges, Belgium.

Rozenhoedkaai

2011-12-12T20:38:00.000+01:00

The Rozenhoedkaai (Quai of the Rosary) is one of the most photographed places in Bruges. It offers a picturesque view of the canal and the Belfry. The quai is also a place where many of the canal boats pick up their passengers.

View location in Bruges, Belgium.

Old Civil Registry

2011-11-20T14:04:00.001+01:00

The Old Civil Registry, situated on Burg Square, was built between 1534 and 1537 in Renaissance style. The three statues on top of the building represent Justice, Moses and Aaron. Since 1883, the Old Civil Registry is used as Peace Court.

View location in Bruges, Belgium.

Town Hall of Bruges

2011-11-06T16:03:00.000+01:00

The Town Hall of Bruges is located on Burg Square between two historic buildings: the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Old Civil Registry. Construction started in 1376 and was completed in 1421 under the supervision of Jan Roegiers.

The most famous room is the Gothic Room, here you can find murals and paintins which shows the rich history of the city. Most spectacular is the polychrome vaulted ceiling, dating from 1402.

The façade of the town hall is decorated with statues of historical figures. It also served as inspiration for the town halls in Leuven, Ghent and Brussels.

View location in Bruges, Belgium.

Jan van Eyck Square

2011-10-21T13:18:00.002+02:00

This square in Bruges was named after famous 15th century Flemish painter Jan van Eyck. It's visited by many tourist for its beautiful views and the exceptional buildings surrounding the square. Most important building are the Poortersloge and the Old Toll House.

View location in Bruges, Belgium.

Church of Our Lady in Bruges

2011-10-10T11:57:00.000+02:00

The impressive Church of Our lady in Bruges dates back to the second half of the 13th century. Reaching a height of 122 m, the church is the second highest in Belgium and has the second highest brick tower in the world.

The Church of Our Lady contains a rich collection of art works, of which the most important is Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child”. This statue was made in 1504 in Carrara marble.

Other important art work include the painting "Crucifixion of Christ" by Anthony van Dyck and a rococo pulpit designed by Jan Antoon Garemijn.

View location in Bruges, Belgium.

Basilica of the Holy Blood

2011-09-30T12:26:00.000+02:00

The Basilica of the Holy Blood was constructed in the 12th century and was promoted to the rank of Basilica in 1923. Since 1149, it houses a fragment of cloth stained with the blood of Christ, wiped from his body by Joseph of Arimathea after the crucifixion.

The building consists of a lower and a upper chapel. The lower chapel is dedicated to St. Basil the Great and dates from the first half of the 12th century. This Romanesque chapel houses a relic of the Greek theologian brought back from Caesarea during the Crusades.

The upper chapel was originally built in Romanesque style but was changed in Gothic style in the 15th century and the 19th century. It houses the actual relic with the blood of Christ which has been encased in a glass cylinder. Normally the relic is kept in the altar, but it is brought out regularly for visitors to kiss or touch it.

View location in Bruges, Belgium.

Belfry of Bruges

2011-09-13T21:37:00.000+02:00

The historic centre of Bruges is dominated by the cloth hall and the 83 metres high Belfry tower. It was constructed around 1240 and housed a treasury and the municipal archives house. The tower was largely rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire in 1280. Its octagonal upper stage was added between 1482 and 1486.

The top of the tower offers breathtaking panoramic views which can be admired after climbing the 366 steps.

View location in Bruges, Belgium.

Arcen Castle

2011-07-12T20:07:00.005+02:00

Arcen Castle was built in the 17th century by the Dukes of Gelre. It was built in Baroque style and belonged to several noble families throughout its 400 year history. Today, the castle is owned by the Limburg Landscape Foundation and is open to exhibitions and events.

Arcen Castle is a very popular destination for its Castle Gardens, which are divided into five theme gardens.

View location in Arcen, the Netherlands.

Castle Gardens of Arcen

2011-07-05T09:53:00.002+02:00

The beautiful Castle Gardens of Arcen are located in the province of Limburg, in the Netherlands. The terrain consists of five different gardens: the Rosarium, the Water Garden, the Shadow Gardens, the World Gardens and the Casa Verde.

Besides the garden you can find here also extraordinary animals like: Flamingos, European storks, Squirrel monkeys, Beluga Sturgeons, European eagle owl and many more.

View location in Arcen, the Netherlands.

Château de Vêves

2011-06-05T08:24:00.001+02:00

The picturesque Château de Vêves is located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the village of Celles. There has been a castle here since the time of Pepin de Herstal (670-714) but the present structure dates back to the 15th century. It has a pentagon shape surrounded by six towers of different sizes and a half-timbered gallery. Château de Vêves houses 18th century furniture and a rare porcelain collection.

View location in Celles-Houyet, Belgium.

Château de Lavaux-Sainte-Anne

2011-05-27T14:04:00.002+02:00

The castle of Lavaux-Sainte-Anne was commissioned by Jean II de Berlo in 1450. This magnificent castle is encircled by a moat and is made up of three corner towers and a cavernous keep. It has many rooms to explore which are home to different exhibitions. A part of the castle still has all the furniture in it and is dedicated to local history and legend. Another part serves has a hunting museum.

View location in Lavaux-Sainte-Anne, Belgium.

Borkrijk's Arboretum

2011-05-18T08:42:00.001+02:00

The arboretum is part of the domain of Bokrijk, which is 550 ha large and is managed by the Province of Limburg. The garden compromises 18 ha and was established at the beginning of 1965.

The arboretum specializes in Holly, having the largest reference collection of this genus in Europe. It is also home to the Belgium's Bamboo collection. Other theme gardens that can be seen here include a wetlands garden, a woodland garden, a fern garden and a Mediterranean garden.

View location in Genk, Belgium.

Château de la Hulpe

2011-05-12T15:26:00.003+02:00

Château de La Hulpe was built in 1842 in French style by the Marquis of Béthune. The castle was purchased by Count Ernest Solvay in 1893. His grandson, Ernest-John Solvay, transferred the property to the Belgian state in 1968.

The castle is not open for public, but can be rented for special occasions. Domaine Solvay, which surrounds Château de la Hulpe, is 227-ha big and is classified as an “Exceptional Heritage Site in Wallonia”. This beautiful landscape park is open daily from 8am to 9pm in the summer, from 8am to 6pm in the winter.

View location in La Hulpe, Belgium.

Milan's Duomo

2011-05-06T13:38:00.003+02:00

Milan's magnificent Duomo is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Construction was commissioned by bishop Antonio da Saluzzo in 1385. Although it was consecrated in 1418, the Duomo was not finished until the 19th century, when Napoleon had the façade completed.

The roof of the Duomo is decorated with more than 2200 statues. Most famous is the 4 m high gilded statue of Madonna which dates back to 1774. It's possible to access the roof by stairs or elevator and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

The inside of Milan's Cathedral is rather dark. There are five large naves divided by 52 pillars that support the cross vaulted ceiling. The stained glass windows of the choir are said to be the largest in the world.

View location in Milan, Italy.

Arch of Peace

2011-04-30T11:36:00.002+02:00

The Arch of Peace was originally designed by Luigi Cagnola to celebrate Napoleon's entrance into the city. After the defeat of Napoleon, work was interrupted and the designs were changed. In 1831, the Arch of Peace was inaugurated by Franz I of Austria and was dedicated to the European Peace reached in 1815.

View location in Milan, Italy.

Castello Sforzesco

2011-04-19T11:04:00.002+02:00

Castello Sforzesco in Milan was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza. The castle used to be the seat and residence of the Duchy of Milan. It has been home to Italian dukes and many foreign conquerors. At the height of its glory Castello Sforzesco was one of the biggest citadels of Europe.

In 1893, the castle was saved from destruction and was restored to its former glory by architect Luca Beltrami. After being heavily damaged as a result of a bombardment during World War II, the castle was restored once more by the BBPR architectural partnership.

Today Castello Sforzesco is home to seven different museums, including a museum of Ancient Art, Musical Instrument, Antique Furnishings and many more.

View location in Milan, Italy.

La Scala Theatre

2011-04-12T11:30:00.004+02:00

La Scala Theater in Milan is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The theatre was designed by Giuseppe Piermarini and was built on the ruins of the Santa Maria della Scala church. It was inaugurated in 1778 with Antonio Salieri's opera L'Europa riconosciuta.

In 1943, the theatre was severely damaged by bombing, it reopened again in May 1946. Another major restoration and modernisation took place between 2002 and 2004.

La Scala has a total capacity of 2200 people, including 678 orchestra seats, 409 seats in the first and second galleries and 155 boxes on four levels.

View location in Milan, Italy.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

2011-04-09T11:05:00.002+02:00

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is one of the most beautiful covered galleries in Europe. The galleria connects the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza della Scala in Milan. It was designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Mengoni and was constructed between 1865 and 1877. This elegant and stylish shopping mall is decorated with mosaics and statues, its roof is made of an iron and glass structure. Some of the most famous brands that are situated in the galleria are Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton.

View location in Milan, Italy.

Groenenberg Castle

2011-04-05T09:01:00.002+02:00

Groenenberg Castle was commissioned by notary Charles Claes around 1900. During World War II, the castle was heavily damaged and was left uninhabitable. In 1981, the Flemish government bought the castle and the park around it. Groenenberg Castle was beautifully restored together with the English landscape garden.

The estate is open all year round, the castle is not open for visitors but can be used for events or meetings.

View location in Sint Pieters Leeuw, Belgium.

Gaasbeek Castle

2011-04-01T11:36:00.003+02:00

Gaasbeek Castle was constructed in the 13th century to protect the Duchy of Brabant against invasions from the County of Flanders. In 1388 the castle was destroyed by the troops of Brussels in revenge for the assassination of Everard 't Serclaes, which was commanded by the Lord of Gaasbeek.

At the beginning of the 16th century, the Horne Family constructed a new brick castle on the ruins of the previous one. Gaasbeek castle was inhabited by several noble families during the following centuries. In 1921 it was donated to the Belgian state, since 1980 the castle is owned by the Flemish Community.

Gaasbeek Castle is open every day(except Mondays), from 1st April to 7th November, from 10:00 to 18:00. The park surrounding the castle, with several historical buildings, is open all year round.

View location in Lennik, Belgium.

Beersel Castle

2011-03-29T11:18:00.003+02:00

Beersel Castle, located in the South of Brussels, was built by Godfried van Hellebeke between 1300 and 1310. It has 3 massive watchtowers and is surrounded by a wide moat. The castle was only conquered once in its existence, by the troops of Brussels in the rebellion against Maximilian of Austria in 1489.

The castle passed through several owners and was even occupied by a cotton factory in 1818. In the 20th century, Beersel Castle was donated to an association for the protection and preservation of historical monuments. It's open for visitors every day(except Mondays) from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00.

View location in Beersel, Belgium.

Selexyz Dominicanen Bookshop

2011-03-24T11:40:00.002+01:00

According to the Guardian, the Selexys Dominican in Maastricht is the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Located in a former Dominican church, the shop was designed by Dutch architects Merckx + Girod. For their design they received the prestigious Lensvelt de Architect Interior Prize 2007.

The bookshop has a wide range of popular books and books for professionals. It also holds the largest stock of books in English in Maastricht. Besides books it's possible to enjoy a coffee or lunch at the bookshop’s Coffeelovers café.

View location in Maastricht, the Netherlands.

St. Servatius Basilica

2011-03-21T11:16:00.003+01:00

The St. Servatius Basilica is located at the Vrijthof in Maastricht, next to St. John's Church. The basilica was built on the grave of St. Servatius, the patron saint of Maastricht. Its inner Romanesque part dates back to the year 1000, the outer Gothic structure was constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries.

The Treasury of the St. Servatius Basilica houses an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts. The main relics are the Noodkist(a decorated wooden chest) and a portrait bust of St. Servatius.

View location in Maastricht, the Netherlands.