Hotel Ibis Sainte Chaterine in Brussels

"Very good location and very good price"

Hotel is close to Grand place and when you are there you are in the heart of the town.
The rooms are very small so as bathrooms but very clean. Breakfast is very good!

Room

Room

Mini Bathroom

Brussels, part 3 and more photos

St Gudule and St Michael's Cathedral

St Gudule and St Michael's Cathedral

The last day of our stay in Brussels, we chose some other important places to visit. In the abundance of cultural sights of this city it's not easy to say what is the most important, everything is beautiful and worth to see. So the time has come for the St Gudule and St Michael's Cathedral, seat of the roman catholic diocese of Brussels! The cathedral is also a remarkable archaeological site. Its history lasts 12 centuries. Through the ages the cathedral walls have witnessed a lot of important historical events among which are Belgium's royal weddings and funerals. Its construction started in the 13th century and was completed two centuries later. Various chapels were added during the 16th and 17th centuries. It is hard not to admire the intricate stained-glass windows.

Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium

Founded two centuries ago, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts holds some twenty thousand paintings, sculptures and drawings. Discover some of Belgium and Europe's finest  artist from Bosch and Bruegel, Cranach and Memling, Jordaens and Rubens Delveaux and Magritte. Every time when I enter into the museum such as this I  have to compare it with Louvre. Definitely this museum is Brussels' Louvre.

Notre Dame du Sablon ( Church of Our Lady of Sablon) ) 

Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, Notre Dame du Sablon is noted for its four-fold gallery with brightly colored stained-glass windows (illuminated from the inside at night), which make a striking contrast with the gray-white Gothic arches and walls.
A must see!

At the end what to say? The whole city is bathed in smells of chocolate and waffles. Belgium is a paradise for gourmet lovers. Belgian cuisine is as good as the French one.
It is a country which invented fried potatoes, this country is an empire of chocolate and beer.The main souvenir that you can bring with you from here is the lace and Belgian cities look exactly like they were made of lace.


In short, I'll be back here!!!!!!

Manneken Pis

Everard t'Serclaes, a 14th-century popular Brussels hero

Museum of Musical Instruments

St. Hubert Gallery

Chocolate

Lace

Beer

Brussels, part 2 (reposted)

I erased this post by mistake and I made it again.

Parc du Cinquantenaire

Autoworld museum

Next day we began walking through the  Parc du Cinquantenaire with the huge  impressive triumphal arch which remind on Berlin's Brandenburg Gate. As part of this large complex there are two large exhibition spaces. We were interested in Auto-world with a collection of old automobile. A large space filled with old-timers from the beginnings up to recent times. Two, three hours of walking through the, not so distant past, let your imagination run and let it take you to another time. Passing by the exhibits listen very carefully because each and every one of those cats has its own story which you will definately hear!

Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate

After the exibition we went to the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate. Immediately after entering the museum-workshop followed a tasting of chocolate, and then kind a gentleman demonstrated us the art of making Chocolate Praline for which Belgium is famous around the globe. During our big walk around the entire building we learned in short about origins of chocolate. Delicious experience!

Museum Musical Instruments

After a chocolate treat followed the Museum des Instruments de Musique. Located near the Grand place easily accessible on foot.
When we entered we didn't really know what awaits us. I must admit that it was a first time I was in such a museum (exhibits include only instruments). At the entrance we got the headphones as a guide through the museum.
On the floor in front there is one point you have to step on and it turns on the headset and you can hear sounds of the instruments. Next three floors also offered sounds of instruments coming from all parts of our beloved planet.

The Comic Strip Museum

The visit to this museum is a must for two reasons. First of all, the museum is situated in the beautiful Art Nouveau  and secondly, one can see here the history of a very typical art form in Belgium: the comic strip.

This building is  considered to be one of the mastepieces of the most famous Belgian Art Nouveau  architect, Victor Horta. Horta built the house in 1906 for the Waucquez family who used it for a wholesale cloth business. One of the most typical new art forms for Belgium are comic strips. After World War II, most of the Belgians have grown up with Belgian comic strips. Herge stands out as the most important writer. He is the father of the best known Belgian comic strip: Tintin.
One can also learn everything about the birth and the development of a comic strip album. The museum also has a nice shop with albums and gadgets of the different Belgian comic strip heroes.

Brussels, part 1 (reposted)

I erased this post by mistake and I made it again.

If I could turn back time I am not sure that I can give an exact answer to the question how we decided to go on a trip to Belgium. It is a beautiful country but more known as economic and political center of Europe and less appreciated as a tourist destination. Travel agency programs that you can find, offer 4 or 5 days traveling through the country of Benelux, which means that you are mostly on the bus every day in another city in another hotel. You really see the three countries, you can say that you were there, but if you haven't experienced it, literally run over, trust me, it's like you haven't been there. Since my husband and I were there separately on different occasions (he was in Brugge and I in Brussels), and one to another spoke enthusiastically about each others experience, longtime wish to share impressions together was born. Final decision: “Let's go to Brussels, and we'll see Brugge and Antwerp!“ Finally came the day of departure.

The next morning, after breakfast, we went boldly to "conquer the city." Following the guide, and recommendations of people who were already there (see Trip Adviser before each trip, there you will find useful information), we took the City Tour Hop On- Hop Off. Tour lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes and I recommend it to everyone. When you get on the bus, you get a head set, choose your place and language in which you want to listen to the guide, and let the unknown voice guide you through the beautiful sights of this city in which I fell in love.

The first goal was Atomium. Waiting in line in order to reach the elevator up to highest sphere was worth it. The view from the top is really beautiful, and the fact that you are at the Atomium gives you the feeling that you are near to the top of the world. After coming down from the highest spheres, we took the escalator through pipes to the next sphere and eventually to a small cafe where we had refreshments before continuing with our discovery of the city. An unforgettable, indescribable feeling. Perfect! Stand on top or be under the Atomium is something that can't be described. It simply must be experienced.

After Atomium we went to Mini Europe park. Very nice, pleasant and fun way to spend an afternoon in Brussels. The entire complex is full of small restaurants, each one of them has a flag of one EU member state. We paid cca 13 Euros for a ticket per person, which seems expensive, but when you see what this park is, how much work is needed to create and maintain something like this, it will soon become clear that the price is quite appropriate for what's offered to the public. Walk through this impressive and not so small park has taken its toll. We were very tired and we made a break to eat something, drink and rest.

 

What followed was a visit to Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower located in the park Laken. We caught the last bus and polite driver explained us everything we wanted to know and left us, after a short drive, right in front of the park. We were too late in order to enter the pavilion, but what we found there was fascinating. Some kind of feeling that you are in Brussels, in the center of Europe, and at the same time on another continent in a completely different culture?! Oddly, but nice!!!

Brugge

If you ever come to Brussels you must make a one-day trip to Brugge.
Looking at the Belgian landscapes passing before your eyes an hour passes quickly, and when you get off the train and meet with the city such as Brugge, you will see that you didn't make a mistake (the trains are fast, clean and most importantly, accurate)
The first impression of the city are channels for which Brugge is often called the Venice of North. But Brugge is a little deeper inland than Venice because the Flemish coast in the past, was repeatedly flooded by the north sea. Flemish name "Brugge" probably comes from the Latin word "Rogi" (which is the Latin name "Reie" a river that flows through Brugge), and the Scandinavian word "Bryggia" which means 'harbor or mooring place'. Driving these channels is genuine adventure. I can not say with certainty how long it lasted, I only know that with a good driver and guide all has gone in a minute. I enjoyed every moment. Nice experiences.












































After driving channels we went to Market of Brugge. The square is full of cafes and restaurants and here you can freshen up and have fun. The central location of the Market Square indicates that this was the medieval heart of the city. The market place (Grote Markt) is free from traffic since October 1996. It has been completely refurbished and now is one of most attractive parts of the city. The main monument is of course the Belfry tower.





The Belfry tower is no less than 83 meters high! On your way to the top you will discover the old treasury room, an impressive clock mechanism and a carillon with 47 bells. After 366 steps, you will be rewarded with a breath-taking view of Brugge and its surrounding countryside.










View from Belfry tower is fascinating.









































When approaching Brugge you can see from afar the highest tower of the city, tower of the Church of Our Lady. Although this church is not the most important one on the level of religion (St. Salvator's church is) it attracts most visitors because of the very important works of art that one can admire here Madonna by Michelangelo and the splendid tombstones of Mary of Burgundy and her father Charles the Bold.




Brugge is a city with two squares. The largest one is the Market and the second square called the "Burg". Here was, and still is, the heart of the administrative Brugge. Brugge Town Hall built between 1376 and 1420 is one of the oldest.

Antwerpen

If you ever decide to travel to Brussels I would recommend you a day trip to Antwerp. I do not want to impose anything to anyone, but I would suggest you a program that we had prepared before our visit to the city just in case you decide to do the same.

There are many trains during whole day departure from Brussels to any place in Belgium.

So we took a train for 12 € for round trip.

The main square buildings are decorated with gold as other Belgian squares where there is a big beautiful fountain that spills directly into the pavement.

Church of St. Jacob has the richest interior also known by the fact that the tomb of famous Belgian painter Rubens is there. The entrance to the church is 2 €.











We wanted to visit Maritime Museum, but since it renovated we couldn't achieve it. But we shouldn't regret, we'll see it next time when we get to Antwerp! Time we planed for visiting that museum, we spent for a pleasant walk along river Schelde.
I recommend!




A walk tired us pretty and we decided to take a brake for a lunch.
After an abundant meal, we slowed the rhythm of our sightseeing and went to the church of St. Paul. Once there, beautiful scenery. Holidays for body and soul!
The beauty of the court and the church simply left me breathless. The church interior is full magnificent values. Feeling of bliss was swept me and my soul, indescribable! It's hard for me to describe with words. My first thought was this is for the die of BEAUTY! I will try, over the images, to share with you part of my experience!




There is beautiful and an impressive 18th-century Calvary, with more than 60 life size figures (next to the church corner).

The organ dates back to the 17th century but has repeatedly been restored and enlarged.



Saint Paul’s Church was part of a vast Dominican cloister. It was consecrated in 1571 as a replacement for a previous house of worship. After the fire of 1679, a new baroque tower was built. The magnificent interior comprises more than 50 paintings by famous Antwerp masters such as Rubens, Van Dyck, and Jordaen. Over 200 sculptures, baroque altars and carved church furnishings.


I hardly said goodbye to the church of Saint Paul that is undoubtedly left on me deep impression.
Rubens house was our next aim. But we were late, it was closing time. The last visitors were entering, and we kissed the door. But without complaining.
I know that I'll be back here !!!!!!!!



Entrance to the Rubens house.