City Go

The earliest signs of human settlement in Ghent date back to pre-historic times, but it was only in the Roman period that a community worthy of note began to grow on the site. It is thought that the name Ghent derives from the Celtic Ganda, the confluence of two rivers. The city of Ghent was thus (re)founded around 630 when Saint Amandus chose the site to build two abbeys, Saint Peter's and Saint Bavo's. In the 9th century, the city was twice attacked and plundered by Vikings and, unable to defend itself, fell under the protection of the Count of Flanders. However, until the Battle of the Golden Spurs in the early 14th century, Ghent sided mostly with France against the Count of Flanders. From 1000 to 1500 Ghent was one of the most important cities in Europe, second only to Paris. In 1407 the Council of Flanders, the highest judicial body of the County, moved to Ghent and since then Dutch became the official language. In the 15th century, the centre of political and ...

The first fortifications were built during Roman times to protect the coastal area from pirates. After the decline of the Roman Empire, in the 4th century, the Franks took over the whole region.  The city is first mentioned in records, in the 9th century, as "Bruggas", a word that probably comes from the old Dutch, meaning bridge. In this century, Baldwin I of Flanders reinforced the Roman fortifications to protect the city from Viking attacks. The city quickly became an important international trading port but in the 12th century, the river Zwin started to silt up. Bruges adapted by building outports in Damme and Sluis after a storm created natural channel connecting the Zwin to the sea, and by taking advantage of its strategic location at the crossroads of the northern Hanseatic League and the southern trade routes. The city became the capital of the County of Flanders in 1089 and received its charter in 1128. By the 14th century Bruges was the warehouse ...

The Fin-de-Siècle Museum is one of the Royal Museums of Fine arts in Brussels and presents Brussels as a cultural crossroad in Europe at the turn of the 20th century. It exhibits an exceptional collection of works by Belgium artists (Jams Ensor, Fernand Khnopff, Leon Spilliaert, Victor Horta, Phillippe Wofers) and foreign artists (Paul Gaugin, Auguste Rodin, Pierre Bannard, Emile Gaule, Alfonse Mucha). Opening hours : Tue. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; weekends 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance fee : €8 (combi with Modern and Old Masters Museums) or €13 (combi with Magritte, Modern and Old Masters Museums).

Opened in 2009 the Magritte museum displays works of the surrealist artist after whom it is named. The collection contains more than 200 works consisting of oil on canvas, gouaches, drawings, sculptures, advertising posters, photos, sketches. Ren´s Magritte was a Belgium surrealist artist well known for a number of witty, thought-provoking images. Opening hours : Tue. to Fri. 10 a.m. to 5 pm.; weekends 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  Entrance fee : €8 (€13 together with the modern and ancient art museums).

This park was inaugurated in 1880, by king Leopold II, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence. The park covers 30 hectares of classical gardens and the museums of Art and History, Aviation, Army and Military History and Autoworld are located here.

Grand Place is the main square in the historic centre of Brussels. It's surrounded by opulent buildings, the Town Hall and the King's House, currently the city museum, mainly dating from the 17th century. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The earliest written reference to Grand Place dates from the 12th century already featuring buildings of public power and corporative buildings. In 1695 Grand Place was heavily damaged due to the bombardment inflicted by the army of Louis XIV. The heart of the medieval city then underwent a campaign of reconstruction which was spectacular not only by the speed of implementation but also by the ornamental wealth and architectural coherence.

Brussels Christmas Market, "Plaisirs d'Hiver", has been awarded one of the best Christmas Markets by Lonely Planet. There you can buy gifts and decorations, ice skate or taste street food. It's the most visited event in Brussels. It takes place at the Grand-Place in Brussels and around the Bourse, the Place de la Monnaie, the Place Sainte-Catherine and the Marché aux Poissons. 2017 Information