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The four great cities of northern Belgium share a rich cultural heritage dating back to medieval times, when this was one of the most vibrant trading regions in the world. Yet each is very different: Brussels is the new Capital of Europe, while Bruges is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities. Ghent is a historic university city, while Antwerp still has the muscular stance of a great industrial centre. Each, in its own way, is richly rewarding – not only in cultural sights, but also in delightful and welcoming places to stay, eat and drink.
For a list of the best art galleries and museums (see Art Galleries and Museums)-
Jacques Brel (1929–78) still ranks in many people’s minds as the greatest singer-songwriter in the French language. Although he first made his name in France, he remained loyal to his Belgian origins. The Jacques Brel Foundation in Brussels celebrates his life and work.
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The work of James Ensor (1860–1949) has earned him a reputation as one of art history’s great eccentrics. His paintings incorporate skeletons, masks and hideous caricatures (see Skeletons Fighting over a Pickled Herring).
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Stadium shared by Club Brugge and Cercle Brugge.
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Centrally located, between the Burg and the Koningin Astridpark, the Jan Brito occupies an attractive 16th-century building with a step-gabled, brick façade. The charming public rooms are decorated in Louis XVI style. There is a pretty “Renaissance” garden.
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The sheer technical brilliance and almost photographic detail of work by Jan van Eyck (c.1390–1441) are self-evident in paintings such as Virgin and Child with Canon van der Paele and The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb . Van Eyck’s work had a major impact on Italian art, and helped fuel the Renaissance.
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One of the most inventive of the Symbolists (1867–1953), famed for brilliantly coloured visions of Satanic forces.
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A former karate champion, Jean-Claude Van Damme (born 1960) did odd jobs in California, such as delivering pizzas and laying carpets, before making his name with action thrillers like Cyborg , Kickboxer (1989) and Universal Soldier (1992).
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A real curiosity – a 15th-century private chapel inspired by pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Next door is the Kantcentrum (Lace Centre).
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A Byzantine-influenced church inspired by a pilgrimage to the Holy Land (see Jeruzalemkerk and the Kantcentrum).
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Hop-shoots – a spring-time by-product of brewing, usually served in a cream sauce. They taste a bit like asparagus.
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Hotel price categories
For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes, and extra charges.
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