The city of Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the heart of the entire metropolitan area. It consists of 19 communes. The total population of the capital region is approximately 2 million people, and the capital itself is about 163 thousand. Time in Brussels, when compared with Moscow, is a difference of one hour. For example, in the Belgian capital - 9:00, in the Russian - 10:00. The city is located right on the Senna River, the review of which, unfortunately, was blocked by builders and engineers during the urbanization of the 19th – 20th centuries.
origin of name
The city got its name because of the marshland. It is she who prevails in this region. Translated from Latin, Bruocsella means "settlement in a swamp." The main feature of this ancient city is the irregular shape. The formed strange geometric figure is divided into three parts.
Climate
Brussels is a city in which the climate is temperate marine, since the settlement is located near the North Sea. It is always moderately warm and humid. In the summer season, the temperature does not rise above 20 ° C, and in winter it is rarely possible to notice a mark below zero. The hottest months are July and August, and the coldest - January. A considerable amount of precipitation is characteristic of this type of climate: an average of up to 850 mm per year.
History of brussels
Legend has it that Brussels is a village that arose in the VI century, and Saint Gagerik is called its founder. But so far no official confirmation of this myth has been found. The first historical document to mention Bruocsella is a letter written by Otto the Great, dated 996. It narrates that in the period 977-979. Duke of Lower Lorraine Charles I launched the construction of the first city fortress wall and chapel. This was the beginning of the history of Brussels. It is logical that such an ancient city has a rich historical heritage and is famous for many interesting facts. After the initial stage of development, a cathedral named after St. Gudula, which was considered the Belgian patroness, was erected on its territory. At the beginning of the XI century, the first city wall was erected.
City development in the Middle Ages
In 1430, the city of Brussels began to develop rapidly. This is understandable. At that time, he was under the auspices of the Duke Philip III (of Burgundy). During this period, town halls and houses were actively lined up, the economy developed and grew, the cultural spirit of the Belgians rose. After the daughter of Philip married the heir to the Roman Empire (Maximilian I), the territory of Brussels was taken over by the Habsburgs. And already in 1531, the future capital of Belgium returned to Burgundy. The death of the then ruler of Charles V and the coming to power of Philip II led to a big wave of dissatisfaction with the new ruler, uprisings and the decline of the economy.
Post-war years
The year 1648 brought the long-awaited end to the 30-year war, the conclusion of which was the Peace of Westphalia, according to which Brussels was rightfully surrendered to Spain. The discontent did not end there, and the Spaniards and the French began to fight for tidbits and rich lands. During these wars, the population of Brussels suffered repeatedly, as central urban areas were fired upon.
Independence
Since 1789, local Protestants began to demand independence for themselves. All the vicissitudes ended in 1815, when Napoleon with his army failed in the battle of Waterloo. And 1830 was marked for Brussels with the long-awaited freedom and independence. This decision was made at the London Conference. The first king of the Kingdom of Belgium was Leopold I. After the goal was achieved, several centuries later the economy went uphill again, and population growth increased every day due to foreign immigrants.
It was during this historical period that the Arc de Triomphe and the Palace of Justice were built. Brussels is the city where the headquarters of the future European Union and the NATO office are based.
Population
In the period after urbanization, the number of local residents soared twice: from 100 to 200 thousand. Brussels demonstrates excellent fertility rates (natural population growth). The dynamics of the female and male half are harmonious - almost 50:50%. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the entire indigenous population of Brussels, called the Francophones, has moved to the sleeping areas of the city and the nearby suburbs. In their place come international immigrants. Among them were representatives of the Congo and Turkey, as well as Morocco.
But still the main part of the population remained the French and the Dutch, constantly fighting each other. For this reason, the only officially recognized bilingual region is the metropolitan area and Brussels itself. The French language is completely equal with the Dutch. Dialects of recent settlers are also common here. As regards faith, the majority of the population professes either Catholicism or Protestantism. Due to the large number of foreigners, you can also meet residents who are fond of Islam or Judaism.
Economics and transport system
Brussels is an economically developed center. It is worth noting that the standard of living is much better here than in other cities. The main income comes from the tourism business and services, as well as gastronomy (the number of restaurants exceeds 2000). The engineering industry is well developed in Brussels; credit and financial institutions are also successfully operating. And in terms of GDP, it ranks third among all European cities.
As for the transport system, it is developed at a fairly high level. Smooth, well-lit highways - both external and underground - are equipped to all standards. Brussels Metro is a lifebuoy for residents. The construction of underground roads has become a necessary measure due to the large number of vehicles. In total, there are slightly more than 800 taxi companies in the city that serve passengers at a single rate. Most often, their cars are painted white or black. They also depict the main symbolism of Brussels - yellow iris. There are white checkers and a red inscription.
In total, the city has two operating central airports - Zaventem and Charleroi. And in the capital of Belgium is the largest port. The international railway system is well developed here. The largest stations are North, South and Central.
The Brussels metro consists of 4 lines, and each station is located approximately 600–700 meters away. There are eighteen terrestrial tram lines and 3 underground buses that operate both around the city and beyond, in the suburbs. All vehicles operate exclusively until 00:30. And night routes carry out transportation only on weekends and at a higher price.
Brussels landmarks
Grand Place is one of the largest squares in the city, the size of which reaches 110 meters in length and 70 in width. It is surrounded by the marvelous architecture of the XVII century: guilds and the town hall in the Gothic style. The majestic city hall building is decorated with an incredibly beautiful tower with a skillfully executed statue of Archangel Michael. And also the house of the king himself will not leave indifferent any guest of the central square of Brussels.
The mannequin Pease is a well-known sensational fountain with a statue 60 cm high called "Manneken Pis". Located near the central square, the appearance of which is shrouded in various legends and stories. The Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula is a magnificent shrine with an outlandish architecture that combines several eras. The construction was built in honor of the guardians of Belgium.
Brussels is a cultural center. Life here is multifaceted and diverse. In addition to the above attractions, the park with miniatures of the main European architectural structures, Atomium, a huge crystal of iron more than 100 meters high, images of comic book heroes on city buildings and houses, as well as the Mountain of Arts, are especially popular. Numerous museums, parks, concert programs and restaurants with a varied cuisine will allow every tourist to spend unforgettable leisure time during their vacation in Brussels.