traveldk.com

The Abdij van de Bijloke, an old rambling Cistercian convent and hospital, provides the quirky setting for a miscellaneous collection of historical artifacts. Among the cloisters and dormitories you’ll find Chinese ceramics, medieval tombs, kitchenware, freemasons’ regalia, models of warships, a Louis XIV drawing room, and historical costumes. The convent dates from medieval times, but most of the buildings are 17th-century.

This intimate and fetching square – a glittering confection of historic architecture, sculpture and gilding – was the focal point of old Bruges (see The Burg, Bruges).

Brussels’ largest and finest church, built over three centuries from 1225 onward, has recently been renovated. Now, the honey-coloured stone of its 15th-century twin towers glows from the cathedral’s raised pedestal, especially in the evening light. It is a fine example of the light and flowery style called Brabantine Gothic. The soaring space of the interior is impressive. It contains some fine 16th-century stained glass and a wonderful Baroque pulpit (1699). Dedicated to St Michael, patron saint of the city, the cathedral’s name also acknowledges St Gudule, a local 8th-century saint who outfoxed the Devil.

Reflecting the huge popularity of comic-strip books in Belgium – and, indeed, most of continental Europe – this unique “Belgian Centre of the Comic Strip” is a shrine to the art form. Archive material and other exhibits focus above all on Belgian contributors to the genre – most notably, of course, on Hergé, the creator of Tintin (see Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée).

Austrian governor-general (ruled 1744–80) credited with bringing the Age of Enlightenment to Brussels.

Born in Ghent, Charles V (1500–58) forged the largest empire in Europe since Roman times. His press is mixed.

A painter (1886–1952) of the second phase of the Sint-Martens-Latem school (see Beaux-Arts: Features and Collections), his work has a social edge and dark, gritty textures.

Sculptor and painter (1831–1905) known for bronzes of factory workers (see Musée Constantin Meunier).

This museum is a must for anyone with the slightest interest in furniture, furnishings and interior decoration. Housed in a grand 18th-century mansion, plus an uncompromisingly modern extension, it provides a tour through changing European styles from the 17th century to the present. The Art Nouveau collection is particularly rewarding, with work by Horta, Gallé and Lalique.

A celebrated fashion designer (born 1958) who has helped bring Antwerp to the forefront of haute couture .