Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the administrative centre of the European Union. This has earned the city the title of the Capital of Europe. Brussels has been given its character by the coexistence of French and Flemish culture, and it is nowadays home to nationalities around the world, adding a cosmopolitan flavour to its atmosphere.
Officially, Brussels was founded in the year 979. But legends and non-confirmed stories let suppose that the origin of the city has to be situated at the end of the 6th century. It was then that the Preacher Saint Gorik built a little chapel on a small island formed by two arms of the Zenne, the river that still is part of Brussels. First written confirmation of the existence of Brussels is given in the year 977, when the German emperor Otto 2nd gives Low-Lorraine to Carl of France. In those days the island was known as the Island of Saint-Gorik. Carl of France decides to build a castrum (a sort of fortress) on the island: Brussels is born.
Brussels has a maritime temperate climate, characterised by warm summers and mild winters. The city has a high average annual rainfall, and visitors can expect a downpour any time of year. Temperatures range from highs of around 27°C (80°F) in summer to 7°C (45°F) during the middle of winter. Snow is possible, but not frequent, in winter.
Brussels has a well-developed infrastructure that is supported by foreign companies, including U.S. companies and international associations. The Belgian capital sports the world's second-largest congressional center, where numerous conferences for business are held each year. About 60 foreign banks operate in Brussels, making the city the seventh-largest financial market in the world. Despite the international links, the Brussels economy is actually based on small, private enterprises that service the European Community.
Schooling is compulsory from six to 15 years of age, while nearly all children start with nursery and kindergarten. This system is fairly successful, considering the virtually nonexistent illiteracy rate among Brussels adults, which is practically unheard of, even in other advanced societies. Classes are taught in French, Dutch, and German, and some schools teach a combination of these languages in order to prepare students for the international European business scene. Both public "official" schools and private "free" schools (Catholic) are financed by the Brussels government. Brussels has been a major center of learning since the Middle Ages and hosts eight major universities and numerous technical and vocational colleges. The Free University of Brussels was originally created to alleviate the Catholic rule over education in the country. It is separated into two almost completely different institutions, one French-speaking and the other Dutch-speaking. The constitution guarantees the freedom of choice of education, which draws foreign students seeking refuge from educational, political, and religious persecution in their own homelands.
The modern and well-organized public transport system of Brussels consists of the metro, trams and buses. The network is user-friendly with route diagrams and timetables posted at most stops, and there are free maps available from the tourist office. Trams provide an ideal way to get around and are faster than buses, especially when they travel underground in the city centre to become the premetro. Both tram and bus stops are by request only. There is a separate system of local trains linking the inner city to the outskirts, although they are of minimal use to tourists, except for getting to and from the airport. Taxis can be hailed from any of the taxi stands around the city; they are metered and expensive. The city is relatively easy to negotiate by car, though renting a vehicle is unnecessary.
The vibrant atmosphere of Brussels is further enhanced by picturesque medieval streets, lively squares, beautiful boulevards, impressive monuments, spacious parks, cosy cafes, interesting restaurants and an active cultural life.
The bronze Manneken Pis (Dutch for “little man pee”) is thought to represent the "irreverent spirit" of Brussels, but there are numerous tales about its beginnings. Started by Louis XV of France many years ago, it has been the custom of foreign countries, companies, visiting dignitaries or charities to donate an outfit to the Manneken Pis and the little boy is usually decked out in the latest costume; previous costumes are displayed in the City of Brussels Museum.
The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and has been since the Middle Ages. One of Europe's more beautiful squares, it lies in the centre of a confusion of small cobbled streets, and is surrounded by richly decorated 17th century Baroque Guildhouses, various Neo-Gothic buildings and museums. It is, however, the town hall, a magnificent Gothic building that dominates the square.
Every two years, the beautiful Grand Place in the centre of Brussels is transformed into a gigantic carpet of fresh begonias, intricately worked into a themed pattern. For just three days and four nights only, an enchanted crowd will come to admire this exceptional and ephemeral creation. In precious threads, rare designs and colours, these masterpieces expand one’s knowledge and satisfy the curiosity of those who come to see the famous flower carpet.
Situated on the northern outskirts of Brussels, between the royal estates of Laeken and Stuyvenbergh, the Atomium, designed by the engineer André Waterkeyn for the International Exhibition of Brussels, that took place here in 1958, is a structure that is half way between sculpture and architecture, symbolizing an iron of crystal, magnified 165 billion times. The top sphere provides a panoramic view of Brussels. Each sphere is 18 meters in diameter.
