About City

Brussels, capital of Belgium. Brussels contains the historic core of the city and the so called “European Quarter,” Brussels is known as the “capital of Europe,” and its significance as a centre of international governance and business makes Brussels a true global city a status shared with such metropolises as New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo.

The Atomium was built as the main pavilion and icon of the 1958 World Expo of Brussels (Expo 58) and to embody the faith in scientific progress at the time. It depicts nine iron atoms in the shape of the unit cell of an iron crystal. The construction of the Atomium was a technical feat. This would have been disastrous during windy weather. Wind tunnel tests proved that the structure would have overturned in an 80 km/h wind.

The Grand-Place is the central square of the City of Brussels. All over the world it is known for its decorative and aesthetic wealth. The Grand-Place is surrounded by the guild houses, the City Hall and the Maison du Roi. The War of the League of Augsbourg, most of the houses on the Grand-Place was destroyed during a bombardment of the City by the French troops of Marshal De Villeroy. Nowadays, numerous festive or cultural events are organized on the Grand-Place.

City Attractions