Beginner's Guide to Belgium http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/ Belgium en Copyright 2007 Thu, 20 Jul 2006 16:28:47 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.35 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Flanders Flanders is the northern part of Belgium; its inhabitants are called Flemings and they speak Dutch. Flanders is home to some amazing cities that are brimming with gorgeous architecture, medieval squares, museums, and outdoor cafes. All Flemish cities are just a short train ride apart. Following is a simple guide to some of the more popular cities in Flanders:
 
Bruges
 
Bruges, a city built on a canal, boasts cobblestone streets, lush green landscapes, and quiet boat rides along the canal. The city center is closed off to all cars, which helps keep the culture and beauty of Bruges fresh. Town authorities have done their best to keep the city's image medieval, and they have done a great job; Bruges is often called the Venice of the North or City of Romance. 
 
Although Bruges is small enough to rush through in one day, to fully appreciate it, you'll want to stay overnight in one of the city's quaint hotels. Along with historical and artistic sites, there are plenty of boutiques, chocolate shops, and restaurants to be discovered.
 
Things to see:
  • The canal by boat: The canal and many other waterways wind their way throughout Bruges, and boat is a popular venue for touring the city. Tours are available each day from mid March through mid November.
  • The Belfry: The tower of the Belfry is a popular tourist attraction in which visitors can climb 366 stairs for a breathtaking view of the city of Bruges. The tower houses a clock mechanism and a carillon of 47 bells.
Ghent
 
Ghent is one of the largest cities in Belgium. Like Bruges, part of the city center is closed to cars, and much of the city's medieval architecture remains intact. Ghent hosts the Flanders International Film Festival each year, and is also considered to be the flower city of Belgium. Its azaleas and begonias are sold worldwide. Every five years, the city of Ghent holds an extremely popular and successful flower show. Ghent also has a harbor and a university, The Belgian State University. Each year in July the Ghent Celebrations are held, during which the inhabitants party for ten days with singing, dancing, theater performances, drinking, and concerts.
 
The city of Ghent boasts 18 museums, 100 churches, over 400 historical buildings, and an opera house. 
 
Things to see:
  • The Mystic Lamb: The most visited site in Ghent, St. Bavo's Cathedral houses the altarpiece on which The Mystic Lamb is painted. This famous painting is considered to be one of the most influential paintings of the Middle Ages, and is an artistic masterpiece in Belgium.
  • Gravensteen Castle: The Gravensteen Castle, also known as the Castle of the Counts, was built in 1180 by the count of Flanders, Philip of Alsace. A crypt, a dungeon, and an exhibition of historical weapons and armor are all to be discovered within the castle.
Antwerp
 
Antwerp, the second largest city in Belgium, is one of the three primary centers of the diamond industry, along with New York City and South Africa. It is also an important Belgian city in terms of economy, with a large seaport responsible for a high level of cargo shipping and oil refineries. Antwerp is recognized as an important city for fashion design; many successful designers have come from Antwerp's Belgian Royal Academy of Fine Arts. The city is also well known for its zoo, which is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. The Antwerp Zoo is located in the center of the city, near the train station, and houses over 4,000 animals. 
 
Things to see:
  • Rubenshuis: Rubneshuis, the house of famous painter Peter Paul Rubens, now serves as a museum and many of Rubens' famous works can be viewed there. Two of his most famous works are on display there: Adam and Eve in Paradise was painted in 1600 and is located in the Studio section of the museum. Rubens' self-portrait was painted when he was around 50 years of age and is located in the dining room.
  • Steen Castle: Once located in the center of Antwerp, the remains of this castle are now the National Maritime Museum. Steen is the Dutch word for stone, and the castle was named Steen because it was one of the first buildings in Antwerp that was constructed with stones. This castle was used as a prison for hundreds of years, but it has been a museum since 1862. It has been renovated several times.
]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-major-cities-and-regions/flanders.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-major-cities-and-regions/flanders.php Belgium: Major Cities and Regions Thu, 04 May 2006 15:52:52 +0000 Wallonia Wallonia is the south part of Belgium and is brimming with amazing fairytale-type landscapes, vibrant carnivals, and beautiful castles. The inhabitants of Wallonia mostly speak French, with one small area speaking mostly German, and are known as Walloons. Many Walloons speak English as well. Walloons are known for being welcoming and hospitable, making visitors enjoy their stay even more. Following is a short guide to two of Wallonia's more famous cities:
 
Liege
 
Known as the Fiery City, Liege reminds many visitors of Rome. Liege is filled with contrasts: green hills, stairs, and rising alleyways make up this busy metropolis. Night life is exciting in Liege, where visitors and inhabitants alike enjoy the city's many cafes, concerts, piano bars, and taverns. 
 
Things to see:
  • Prince-Bishops' Palace: The construction of this palace was ordered by Prince-Bishop Everard van der Marck in 1526. The outside is Italian Renaissance style, while the inside has a Gothic flavor. This building is the most awesome building in Liege. The palace consists of two courtyards that interconnect; the first courtyard is the only one open to the public and is surrounded by four galleries and 60 columns. The columns are decorated with human figures and masks. Many renovations over the years have not deterred from the palace's regal style.
  • St. Paul's Cathedral: Founded in the 10th century, this church became the new cathedral of Liege in the 19th century. The building has three naves with seven bays and chapels; it is also known for its stained-glass windows, and white marble statue of Christ, and 19th century furniture. The ceiling showcases amazing frescoes.
 
Namur
 
Namur is located not far from Brussels and is mostly known for its many festivals. The inhabitants of the city want to inspire and create, and this is evident in the many cinemas, choirs, poetry festivals, and fairs that are abundant here. Namur is situated at the convergence of the Sambre and Meuse Rivers, which are both major waterways. Because of this easy accessibility, Namur has been leveled many times from Roman times through the second World War. 
 
Things to see:
  • The Citadel: The Citadel is a fortified town with an amazing man-made underground network. It can be visited by train or on foot. It was built in the 3rd and 4th centuries to defend the Meuse River valley against the Germans. More recently used for military purposes, the Citadel is one of the largest fortified constructions in Europe.
  • The Fėlicien Rops Museum: Located in a former 18th century house, this museum houses about 1000 works of the famous painter Fėlicien Rops; 25% of the paintings are on display. Rops was a Belgian caricaturist and illustrator. His subjects are mostly women and landscapes.
 
 
Sources:
www.visitbelgium.com
www.trabel.com
www.travel.yahoo.com
www.en.wikipedia.org
]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-major-cities-and-regions/wallonia.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-major-cities-and-regions/wallonia.php Belgium: Major Cities and Regions Thu, 04 May 2006 15:54:27 +0000 Belgium: Overview and History Belgium is a small country in Europe that is about the size of Maryland, 11,730 square miles, with a population of 10 million. Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. However, English is widely spoken and is known as the fourth unofficial language. Since Belgium is so small, it can easily be traversed within a day. To make things even simpler for travelers, Belgium has a train network throughout the country.

Belgium is divided into three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels; each region has self-government in many capacities. Flanders and Wallonia contain many cities, while Brussels encompasses only one city. This guide will explore the history of Belgium and how it came to be an independent nation.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-overview-and-history/belgium-overview-and-history.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-overview-and-history/belgium-overview-and-history.php Belgium: Overview and History Thu, 04 May 2006 15:55:28 +0000 History The Ancient Celts
 
Starting in 57 BC, Julius Caesar extended Rome's power into a region of Europe that is known now as Belgium. There, he met one of the Celtic tribes of early Gaul, the Belgae. The Romans then named their new land Gallia Belgica, after this tribe. During the decline of Rome, in the fourth century AD, a Germanic tribe called the Franks took over Gaul. The Franks were mercenaries who worked for the empire of Rome. By 431 AD, the Franks gained more power and established an independent dynasty, Merovingian, using Tournai as its capital. Eventually, the Merovingians controlled parts of what is now France and Belgium, along with southwestern Germany. Clovis I, the Merovingian leader, adopted Christianity, which won him the support of the church.
 
Over the next several hundred years, this land was ruled by many leaders, including Charlemagne. When Charlemagne died, three of his grandsons split the empire that covered nearly all of Europe. One grandson's land eventually became France, another's became Germany, and the land in between included what is now Belgium. 
 
 
Medieval Belgium
 
At first, the northwestern part of Belgium belonged to the kingdom of France. In this region, the Counts of Flanders arose; the first was Baldwin Iron Arm, who married a great-granddaughter of Charlemagne. Baldwin began creating fortified towns in Flanders, the first of which was Ghent. Baldwin's heir, Baldwin II, continued his father's work with the fortification of Bruges and Ypres. 
 
The southeastern part of Belgium eventually became part of Lorraine, under the German kings. The foundation of Brussels, a fortress on the Senne River, was built in 977 by Charles, Duke of Lorraine. Mostly, the southeastern part of today's Belgium was split into several minor domains, one of which was Liege.
 
At the beginning of the new millennium, Belgium consisted of the cities of Flanders, which was unified, and several less unified cities. Trade began to grow and Flanders flourished. The Flemings imported wool and weaved it into cloth to sell, and the cities became more and more wealthy and powerful. By 1300, Ghent, Bruges, and Ypres were all major independent cities; their culture remains distinctive today.
 
By this time, the Counts of Flanders and the French both wanted to regain control over these successful cities. In 1302, the cities defeated the French nobility at the Battle of the Golden Spurs, keeping control over their cities and economy. However, France persisted for another 17 years, and by 1329 finally took control of Flanders. England, the wool supplier, was not pleased by this, and stopped sending wool. 
 
Over the next century, the French and English battled for control of Flanders in the Hundred Years' War, and during this time, the cities fought to regain their independence. Finally, Philip the Bold of Burgundy, became the ruler of Flanders in 1384. Philip had previously been a part of Burgundy's alliance with England against France.
 
 
The Burgundian Period
 
Philip the Good ruled Belgium from 1419 to 1467, and under his rule, the country grew and prospered. Philip gained control of the southeastern areas, including Brussels, Namur, and Liege, suppressing their autonomy and bringing them under the central rule from Brussels. With Philip's reign came a new era of culture. Painting especially became prevalent. Following Philip's death, Charles V became Belgium's ruler. Antwerp, in the northern part of Belgium, emerged in the 1490's and was a commercially successful city. 
 
In 1555, Belgium began a new crisis as Catholicism coincided with the uprise of Protestantism in northern Europe. At this time, Philip II ruled Spain, and he repressed the social unrest that was present in Flanders due to religious clashes. Philip invoked a huge Spanish military presence in the north and executed thousands of Protestants. By 1565, the League of Nobility and the Governor of Flanders joined Belgium in its opposition to Spain. Philip's response to this was to send in the Duke of Alva, heading an army of 10,000 troops.
 
Alva outlawed and executed Belgium's leaders and terrorized the country. Within a few years, the north's inhabitants opposed Alva, and he eventually controlled only the Catholic-based southern cities of Belgium. 
 
William of Orange, leader of the League of Nobility, was the undisputed leader of north Belgium by 1576, and he came to terms with the Spanish. For the next 75 years, northern Belgium struggled to remain autonomous, and the Catholic southern regions of Belgium, still faithful to Spain, became known as the Spanish Netherlands. 1648's Treaty of Munster helped northern Belgium to become independent, and Spain agreed to close the Scheldt River to navigation. Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent all lost their status as successful trade cities because of this.
 
The Battleground
 
The next century heralded France as the most powerful state in Europe, and the French, under the influence of Louis XIV, continually tried to control the Spanish Netherlands. Neither the Spanish nor the Dutch wanted to see France control this land, and England also opposed the French, especially since a Dutch leader had accepted the English throne. This caused Belgium to become a battleground between Louis XIV and his opponents for most of the century.
 
The War of the Spanish Succession took place from 1702 to 1713, brought on by the death of King Charles II of Spain. Charles had no children to name as successors to his throne, and so he appointed Louis' grandson, Philip of Anjou. Louis influenced Philip to allow the Spanish Netherlands to come under the rule of France, but no one else in Europe agreed. For ten years, France tried to gain control over the Spanish Netherlands, while the Dutch, English, and Austrians strongly resisted. Finally, in 1713, Louis drafted the Treaty of Utrecht, which allowed the Spanish Netherlands to come under the rule of Austria. 
 
Austria allowed the region to continue its independence, and by the end of the 18th century, Belgium was ready to become a country. During the French Revolution in 1789, Belgium rose up against Austria and was declared an independent country in 1790. However, the new Belgium's leaders were divided, and the Austrians were able to re-establish control. Soon thereafter, Austria went to war with the Republic of France, and by 1795 the French were successful in liberating the United States of Belgium. 
 
 
The New Kingdom
 
Under the direction of Napoleon, the French rule over Belgium was able to open the Scheldt River again, revitalizing trade in the country and partially recovering Antwerp. After another attempt by William of Orange to control Belgium, revolution broke out in Brussels and spread across the country. After a few months, William withdrew and Belgium was once and for all recognized as an independent nation on January 20, 1831. Leopold I and then Leopold II, both rulers of Belgium, oversaw the increase of economy and culture within the country. 
 
Belgium was invaded during World War I, but its army survived and successfully kept control of the country. In 1940, Germany invaded Belgium and Holland, forcing the Belgian government to evacuate to London. Leopold surrendered to German forces and Belgium was overtaken, but the Allied Forces liberated Belgium once again in 1944.
 
Post war, Brussels gradually became the “capital” of Europe. It is the headquarters of the European Community and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and it is recognized as the leading European center of international business. 
 
One of the most important post-war developments of Belgium was the evolving independence of the country's different regions. In 1977, Belgium was divided into three autonomous regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels. In 1980, in recognition of this separation, Belgium was named a federation. Since then, Belgium has continued to grow and is now made up of 17 provinces.
 
Sources:
 
www.geographia.com
www.visitbelgium.com
www.en.wikipedia.org
 
 
]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-overview-and-history/history.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-overview-and-history/history.php Belgium: Overview and History Thu, 04 May 2006 15:56:26 +0000 Belgium: People and Culture Overview Belgium is a small country in Europe that is about the size of Maryland, 11,730 square miles, with a population of 10 million. The country is divided into three regions: Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels; each region has self-government in many capacities. Flanders and Wallonia contain many cities, while Brussels encompasses only one city. Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. However, English is widely spoken and is known as the fourth unofficial language.

The division of Belgium’s regions makes the culture very interesting. As you can imagine, each region has its own cultures and its own way of life. For instance, Flanders, in the north, is where the Dutch, or Flemings, live. People speak Dutch, also known as Flemish, in that region. Wallonia, in the south, is inhabited by the French who, of course, speak French. Brussels, which is centrally located, is officially bilingual, although it is mostly inhabited by French.

While some cultures of these three regions differ, there are also cultures that are a part of Belgium as a whole. This guide will take a look mostly at the people and culture of the country in general.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/belgium-people-and-culture-overview.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/belgium-people-and-culture-overview.php Belgium: People and Culture Thu, 04 May 2006 15:58:00 +0000 Food Belgians refer to cooking as gastronomy, and it is certainly a big part of the country’s culture, as well as beer. Brussels alone offers visitors a selection of over 350 beers! The most prestigious Belgian beer is Trappist beer, which is brewed by Trappist monks. Interestingly, each abbey’s beer is served in its own particular glass; each abbey has different type of glass! Only seven breweries in the world are allowed to brew Trappist beer, and six of them are Belgian.

There is no such thing as Belgian gastronomy, since the food in Belgium is closely tied to French cuisine. However, some dishes were invented in Belgium. Some examples follow:

• French Fries – French Fries were given their name by American soldiers during World War I.
• Speculaas – A speculaas is a type of Dutch cookie that resembles shortbread. These cookies have an image or figure on their front side; the figure is usually taken from a traditional story about St. Nicholas. They are usually baked for St. Nicholas’ Eve, December 5.
• Belgian waffles – Belgian waffles are lighter, crispier, and thicker than traditional waffles. They are often served as a dessert, topped with whipped cream, fruit, or ice cream.
• Waterzooi – Waterzooi is a broth that is made up of vegetables and either chicken or fish.
• Endive – Endives were first cultivated in Belgium in the 1830s, and the Belgians have been preparing this leafy vegetable in innovative ways ever since.
• Brussels sprouts – Like the endive, these round cabbage-like vegetables were first cultivated in Belgium. They are named after Brussels, Belgium’s capital.
• Paling In ‘t Groen – This is a dish containing eels in a sauce.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/food.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/food.php Belgium: People and Culture Thu, 04 May 2006 15:59:23 +0000 Sports Soccer is the most popular sport in Belgium, but the Belgians call it football. The Belgian national football team has won many titles, placing 4th at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, 2nd at the 1980 European Football Championship, and 3rd at the 1972 European Football Championship. Also, some Belgian clubs have won several European cup finals. Other popular sports in Belgium are cycling, tennis, judo, table tennis, swimming, and running. The country has produced several famous athletes in these arenas.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/sports.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/sports.php Belgium: People and Culture Thu, 04 May 2006 16:00:17 +0000 Holidays Belgians share some of the United States’ holidays, and they celebrate some of their own. Following is a list of Belgium’s public holidays:

• New Year’s Day – January 1
• Easter – varies
• Easter Monday – day after Easter
• Labor Day – May 1
• Ascension – 6th Thursday after Easter
• Pentecost – 7th Sunday after Easter
• Pentecost – 7th Monday after Easter
• Holiday of the Flemish Community – July 11 (only held in Flanders)
• National holiday – July 21
• Assumption of Mary – August 15
• Holiday of the French Community of Belgium – September 27 (only held in Wallonia)
• All Saints Day – November 1
• Armistice Day – November 11
• Holiday of the German-speaking Community – November 15 (only held in German-speaking region)
• Christmas – December 25

Also celebrated in Belgium are The Epiphany, also known as Three King’s Day, Valentine’s Day, All Souls Day (November 2), and Saint Nicholas Day, but these are not public holidays.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/holidays.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/holidays.php Belgium: People and Culture Thu, 04 May 2006 16:00:57 +0000 Education In Belgium, there are two main school systems: state-owned schools are the first, and state-free schools are the second, and they are government subsidized and mostly Catholic. Every child from the age of 2 1/2 years is provided free schooling. The school year is from September 1 to June 30.

The Belgian primary schools are somewhat traditional, focusing on reading, writing, and math. The class size is around 20, and this number is growing because of financial issues. Schools are required to teach a second language from the age of 11, although many schools start earlier. The second language is either French or Dutch, depending on where the school is located.

In secondary school, students have a choice of directions, depending on their interests and skills. These schools are divided into four types:

• General Secondary Education – subjects are general and prepare students for higher education. Most students continue to university or higher education after completion of the required six years.
• Technical Secondary Education – subjects are technical and practical, and this type of education usually lasts for six years. After completion, students are considered to be ready for the job market in their specialty. Students may also choose to continue to university or higher education.
• Vocational Secondary Education – subjects are very job specific and practical, and this type of education usually lasts for six years plus one more year of specialization. In some cases, students can take two specialization years.
• Art Secondary Education – subjects are mostly artistic. This is a less popular type of education.

After secondary school, students who wish to continue studying have two choices: Higher Education or University. These types of education are not free; however, Higher Education and University cost significantly less than American Colleges and Universities. In Belgium, a Bachelor’s degree takes three years and a Master’s degree takes one to two years.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/education.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/education.php Belgium: People and Culture Thu, 04 May 2006 16:01:41 +0000 Religion Roman Catholicism is the major religion in Belgium; 60 to 75 percent of the population is Catholic. However, a poll taken in 2004 showed that only nine to twelve percent of Belgian population regularly attends church. The Belgian law recognizes the following other religions practiced in Belgium: Islam, Protestantism, and Judaism.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/religion.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/religion.php Belgium: People and Culture Thu, 04 May 2006 16:02:31 +0000 Art Belgium recognizes its art culture in many different ways. One of the main ways is through its huge variety of museums. Nearly any city you visit in Belgium has at least one museum. Following are some of the most popular and impressive museums in Belgium:

• The Royal Museum for Fine Arts – Located in Antwerp, this museum has a vast collection of famous painter Peter Paul Rubens’ works.
• The Groeninge Museum – This museum has a large collection of works by the Flemish Primitives, a group of painters from the Netherlands in the 15th and early 16th centuries. The Groeninge is located in Bruges.
• The Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium – Brussels is home to this museum which houses a movie theater, a concert hall, and artwork from a variety of periods.
• The Plantin-Moretus Museum– Also located in Antwerp, this museum is the complete factory of the largest publishing house of the 17th Century.

Literature, music, comics, architecture, and cinematography also play parts in Belgium's art culture. Belgium has produced several famous well-known authors and poets; Belgian literature does not exist, instead Belgium identifies with French and Dutch literature. With its emphasis on comics as traditional entertainment, Belgium has also produced many famous cartoonists. Along with the museums, there are many old monuments of note in Belgium that demonstrate the amazing architecture of the country.




Sources:
µwww.en.wikipedia.org§
www.pespmc1.vub.ac.be

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/art.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/belgium-people-and-culture/art.php Belgium: People and Culture Thu, 04 May 2006 16:03:12 +0000 Belgium: People and Culture belcult.jpg

Belgium: People and Culture Overview

Food

Sports

Holidays

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/newbies-picks/belgium-people-and-culture.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/newbies-picks/belgium-people-and-culture.php Newbie's Picks Thu, 20 Jul 2006 16:23:28 +0000 Belgium: Major Cities and Regions brussels.jpg

Belgium: Major Cities and Regions Overview

Brussels

Flanders

Wallonia

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/newbies-picks/belgium-major-cities-and-regions.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/newbies-picks/belgium-major-cities-and-regions.php Newbie's Picks Thu, 20 Jul 2006 16:25:31 +0000 Belgium: Activities and Attractions belgattr.jpg

Belgium: Activities and Attractions Overview

Brussels

Flanders

Wallonia

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/newbies-picks/belgium-activities-and-attractions.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/newbies-picks/belgium-activities-and-attractions.php Newbie's Picks Thu, 20 Jul 2006 16:27:04 +0000 Belgium Vacations: A Week-Long Itinerary belgvaca.jpg

Belgium Vacations: A Week-Long Itinerary Overview

Days One and Two - Brussels

Days Three and Four - Antwerp

Days Five and Six - Bruges

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/newbies-picks/belgium-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary.php http://beginnersguide.com/belgium/newbies-picks/belgium-vacations-a-weeklong-itinerary.php Newbie's Picks Thu, 20 Jul 2006 16:28:47 +0000