Brussels - Belgium Attractions and Tourism

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• published: 14 Nov 2013
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Brussels - Belgium Attractions and Tourism World Travel https://www.youtube.com/user/World1Tube Brussels - Belgium Travel guide http://bit.ly/HPaiOv Atomium Léopold II bequeathed the 202-hectare (500-acre) estate of Heysel to the city of Brussels in 1909. The large exhibition spaces are located here, to the northwest of the centre. Its most famous landmark, however, is the Atomium - a giant model of an oxygen molecule, built for the 1958 World Fair as a temporary structure, although never fully dismantled. It reopened in February 2006 following extensive renovation, including replacement of its metal 'skin'. The highest sphere gives a panoramic view of the entire region; the base sphere has an exhibition on Expo 58 and the centre also hosts temporary exhibitions. Opening Times: Daily 1000-1800. Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes Unesco: No Address: Square de l'Atomium, Boulevard du Centenaire, Brussels, Belgium Grand-Place A web of narrow cobbled streets suddenly opens out into the vast Grand-Place - economic and social heart of Brussels since the Middle Ages. The array of filigree gothic buildings is dominated by the asymmetrical Hôtel de Ville, built in the 15th century. Its 96m (315ft) spire is topped with a gilded copper statue of St Michael. Opposite the Town Hall and almost as grand is the Maison du Roi, commissioned in 1515 and faithfully rebuilt in the 1890s. Sometime pied-à-terre of the Hapsburg monarchy, the building now hosts the Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles whose small collection includes tapestries and altarpieces, as well as the costumes worn by the Manneken-Pis. A series of lavish guild houses complete the rectangle of the square - number 10 still houses the guild of brewers, Maison de l'Arbre d'Or. Events, displays and markets are often held in the Grand-Place. Opening Times: Daily 24 hours. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes Unesco: Yes Address: Grand-Place, Brussels, Belgium Manneken-Pis (Statue of the Pissing Boy) The Rue de l'Etuve leads from the grandeur of Grand-Place to this allegory of irreverence and symbol of Bruxellois self-mockery - a bronze statuette of a urinating boy. If it were not for the occupation of the young child, the sculpture might resemble an angelic putto, such as the ones decorating the facade of the nearby Bourse (Stock Exchange), said to have been sculpted by Rodin. Jérôme Duquesnoy cast Manneken-Pis in the 1660s, perhaps as a reference to the peasant lads of legend, who extinguished fires with their urine. Manneken-Pis is regularly kitted out in a choice of some 800 outfits supplied by companies, charities and other organisations. Opening Times: Daily 24 hours. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: No Unesco: No Address: Rue de l'Etuve , Brussels, Belgium Musée du Cacao et du Chocolat (Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate) This delightful little museum located in a magnificent 17th century house on a corner of the Grand-Place pays homage to one of Belgium's most famous products. It traces the history of chocolate from the time of the old Maya Empire, and explains the production processes involved in making the modern sweet delicacy, including audio-visual presentations and demonstrations by masters of the chocolatier's art. Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1000-1630 (open Mon during Belgium holidays). Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes Unesco: No Address: Rue de la Tête d'Or 9-11, Brussels, Belgium ================================= Brussels Museums, Brussels Transport, Brussels Tours, Brussels Introduction, Brussels Attractions, Brussels Hotels, Brussels Restaurants, Brussels Shopping, Brussels Nightlife, world travel video, Brussels video, Brussels, Brussels Travel guide, Brussels Tourism, Brussels vacation, Europe, Belgium, Belgium Tourism, Belgium Travel guide , Belgium Vacation == Brussels - Belgium Travel guide, vacation, Tourism, Attractions