Page 97 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Brussels Bruges Ghent & Antwerp

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BEYOND BRUSSELS

Brussels lies at the heart of Belgium, on the divide
between the Flemish north and the French-speaking
Walloon south. Its central position makes Brussels an BRUSSELS
ideal base for visitors: within easy reach by road and rail are
the historic Flemish cities of Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp. All of
these cities have fine late-medieval architecture, superb museums
and excellent restaurants – yet each is markedly different in character.
Bruges is a pocket-sized gem of a city. and museums, canals and shopping
Flourishing on international trade, streets. The city also benefits from a
brought in on its canals, it was one of thriving university, which lends it a
the wealthiest cities of medieval Europe, youthful vigour.
and capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, Sitting on the bank of the broad
who were famed for their lavish lifestyles. River Scheldt, with direct access to the
Then it fell into decline until it was North Sea, Antwerp was and still is a
rediscovered in the 19th century and busy port-city. Outward-looking and
restored in glorious Neo-Gothic style. ambitious, it has an edge that has placed
Exquisitely beautiful, eminently walkable it at the forefront of fashion design and
and packed with romantic places to stay, contemporary art though it remains the
it has become one of Europe’s most home of Rubens, and embraces the
popular and rewarding destinations. legacy of his great Baroque age.
Ghent developed along a similar path, All around lie other extraordinary
and retained its medieval heart as it places – Mechelen, Ypres, Leuven and
became an industrial centre in the more – with a similar tale to tell and
18th and 19th centuries. With one of historic heritage to prove it. And just to
Europe’s most extensive pedestrianized the south of Brussels lies the battlefield
centres, it is a great place to wander of Waterloo, where the destiny of
around, while exploring its many sights modern Europe, no less, was decided.

Fine Flemish architecture on the banks of Bruges’ network of canals
Tall spires of the Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp

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