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 Senne River, the view of which, unfortunately, was blocked by builders and engineers during the period of urbanization of the 19th-20th centuries.
Origin of the name
The city got its name because of the swampy terrain. It is she who prevails in this region. Translated from Latin, Bruocsella means "settlement in the swamp." The main feature of this ancient city is its irregular shape. The formed strange geometric figure is divided into three parts.
Climate
Brussels is a city with a temperate maritime climate, as the settlement is located near the North Sea. It is always moderately warm and humid here. In the summer season, the temperature does not rise above 20 oC, and in winter you can rarely see the markbelow zero. The hottest months are July and August, and the coldest months are January. This type of climate is characterized by a considerable amount of precipitation: an average of up to 850 mm per year.
History of Brussels
Legend says that Brussels is a village that arose in the VI century, and St. Gagerik is called its founder. But so far no official confirmation of this myth has been found. The first historical document mentioning Bruocsella is a charter written by Otto the Great, dated 996. It tells that in the period 977-979. the Duke of Lower Lorraine, Charles I, launched the construction of the first city fortification wall and a 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, who was considered the Belgian patroness, was erected on its territory. At the beginning of the 11th century, the first city wall was erected.
Development of the city in the Middle Ages
Since 1430, the city of Brussels began to develop rapidly. This is quite understandable. At that time, he was under the patronage of Duke Philip III (of Burgundy). During this period, town halls and houses were actively built, the economy developed and grew, and the cultural spirit of the Belgians rose. After Philip's daughter married the heir of the Roman Empire (Maximilian I), the territory of Brussels became part of the Habsburgs. And already in 1531 the future capitalBelgium returned to Burgundy. The death of the then ruler Charles V and the coming to power of Philip II led to a big wave of dissatisfaction with the new ruler, uprisings and a decline in the economy.
Post-war years
1648 brought the long-awaited end of the 30-year war, its conclusion was the Peace of Westphalia, according to which the Brussels territory was rightfully given to Spain. The discontent did not end there, and the Spaniards and the French began to fight for the tasty and rich lands. During these wars, the population of Brussels repeatedly suffered as the central city areas were shelled.
Independence
Since 1789, local Protestants began to demand independence for themselves. All the ups and downs ended in 1815, when Napoleon and his army failed at the Battle of Waterloo. And 1830 was marked for Brussels by the long-awaited freedom and independence. This decision was taken at the London Conference. Leopold I became the first king of the Belgian kingdom. After the goal was achieved, several centuries later the economy went uphill again, and the population growth increased every day due to foreign settlers.
It was during this historical period that the Triumphal arch and Palace of Justice. Brussels is the city where the headquarters of the future European Union and the NATO office are based.
Population
In the post-urbanization period, the number of local residents doubled from 100,000 to 200,000. Brussels shows excellent resultsfertility (natural population growth). The dynamics of the female and male half is harmonious - almost 50:50%. Since the beginning of the twentieth century, the entire indigenous population of Brussels, called the Francophones, moved to the sleeping areas of the city and the near suburbs. In their place come international migrants. 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 at war with each other. It is for this reason that the only officially recognized bilingual region is the metropolitan area and Brussels itself. The French language is completely equal to Dutch. Dialects of recent settlers are also common here. As for faith, most 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.
Economy and transport system
Brussels is an economically developed center. It is worth noting that the standard of living here is much better than in other cities. The main income comes from the tourism business and the service sector, as well as gastronomy (the number of restaurants exceeds 2000). The mechanical engineering industry is well developed in Brussels, and credit and financial institutions are also successfully functioning. 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 motorways - both external and underground - are equipped according to all standards. Brussels metro -"lifeline" for residents. The construction of underground roads has become a necessary measure due to the large number of vehicles. In total, there are a little more than 800 taxi companies in the city that serve passengers at a single tariff. Most often, their cars are painted white or black. They also depict the main symbol of Brussels - the yellow iris. There are white checkers and a red inscription.
In total, the city has two operating central airports - Zaventem and Charleroi. And on the territory of the capital of Belgium is the largest port. The international railway system is also well developed here. The largest stations are North, South and Central.
The Brussels Metro consists of 4 lines, and each station is approximately 600-700 meters apart. There are eighteen ground tram lines and 3 underground buses that travel both around the city and outside it, in the suburbs. All transport works exclusively until 00:30. And night routes operate only on weekends and at a higher price.
Sights of Brussels
Grand Place is one of the largest squares in the city, measuring 110 meters long and 70 meters wide. It is surrounded by marvelous architecture of the 17th century: the guild and the town hall in the Gothic style. The majestic City Hall building is adorned with an incredibly beautiful tower with a skillfully executed statue of the Archangel Michael. And also the house of the king himself will not leave indifferent any guest of the central squareBrussels.
Mannequin Pis is a well-known sensational fountain with a statue 60 cm high called "Manneken Pis". It is 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 majestic shrine with outlandish architecture that combines several eras. The structure was built in honor of the guardians of Belgium.
Brussels is a cultural center. Life here is multifaceted and varied. In addition to the above attractions, the park with miniatures of the main European architectural structures, the Atomium - a huge iron crystal over 100 meters high, images of comic book characters on city buildings and houses, as well as the Mount of Arts are especially popular. Numerous museums, parks, concert programs and restaurants with a variety of cuisines will allow every tourist to spend an unforgettable leisure time during their holidays in Brussels.
