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Brussels
 There is a sqoure in the heart of Brussels, called La Grand' Place, which instantly reveals the character of this city. It's a spectacular sight: I know of none other in Europe to equal it-neither Princes Street in Edinburgh, nor the Duomo in Milan, nor the Place de la Concorde. This is a square whose only buildings are the ancient and untouched Guild Halls of the Middle Ages. Each is festooned with a brilliantly-colored medieval flag, and the cornices of the buildings are covered in pure gold leaf. Stand in this square, and you will be thrillingly transported to the world of Breughel and Van Eyck, of Rubens and Bosch. ButYou can be bored silly in Brussels-bored, that is, unless you approach this town with either the proper background or indination for it. Ever hear of the old adage that Europe brings to you only what you bring to it? That's Brussels. if you're a medievalist at heart, or have a fairly substantial desire to study that age, then you'Il love Brussels. if not, stay far, far away, for this city is all history, and little else. It has neither the fleshpots of Paris, nor the grandeur of Rome, nor the boisterousness of Munich. It does offer a unique introduction to the cuIture that is Flemish-that strange amalgam of the French and German-which occupies such a vital place in the art and events of Western Europe.You'll want to see: the Musee de l'Art Ancien, Rue de la Regence, housing the most magnificent collection of Flemish art in the world; the Palais de Justice, on the Place Poelart, an incredibly massive stonestructure, whose courtyard affords a panoramic view of Brussels below (admission is free); the Hotel de Ville, on the Grand' Place, a superb example of Gothic architecture with only one flaw: an off-center door in the main tower (legend has it that the architect committed suidde when he discovered his mistake); the battlefield of Waterýoo, just outside the dty (take tram "W" from Place Rouppe to Waterloo, the last stop); and finally, the statue which all the ladies from Dubuque deplore: the Manneken-Pis, which isn't vulgar at all in its Brussels setting (just behind the Hotel de Ville, off the Grand' Place). Other spots of interest are listed in a booklet which you can obtain free from the Brussels Tourist Office on the Place Brouckere.
EUROPEAN UNION
In March 1957, six nations signed the historic Treaty of Rome, setting in motion the economic and political integration of Western Europe. When the Treaty of Rome entered into force on January 1, 1958, it established the European Economic Community (EEC), which-together with the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom)--came to be known as the European Community (EC) or the Common Market. The Treaty of Rome envisaged the ultimate goal of an integrated market for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
The Grand Place, Brussels, Belgium Photographic Print Buy at AllPosters.com 
Restaurant on Rue Des Bouchers, Brussels, Belgium Photographic Print Buy at AllPosters.com 
Flower Market at Grand Palace in Brussels, Belgium Photographic Print Buy at AllPosters.com 
Stringed Instrument in Museum, Brussels, Belgium Photographic Print Buy at AllPosters.com |
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