Brussels is one of Europe’s most
multilingual cities, yet no one speaks
Belgian! French, German and Dutch are
the official languages, but many more
are spoken by the other nationalities
living in the metropolis. Brussels is a
smart, cosmopolitan centre renowned
for its beer, chocolate, sweet waffles
and colourful comic book characters.
STONE
AND FEATHERS
The spooky rooftop gargoyles
on the Cathedral of St
Michael and St Gudula
don’t seem to creep out
the peregrine falcons that
nest at the top of its north
tower. Since 2004 the city’s
falcons have hunted down
44 different bird species.
Most days, however,
the menu is pigeon
for breakfast, lunch
and dinner.
TREE OF JOY
Each year on 9 August, seven costumed
giants, a troupe of trumpet players and
a very large tree parade through the city.
The folkloric Meyboom
, cut down in the
forest by Buumdroegers
(tree carriers)
the same morning, is a symbol of joy. Any
tree type can be chosen, as long as it is
big and planted on the corner of Rue du
Marais and the Rue des Sables by 5pm
that day. If the tradition is not followed the
city is said to be cursed.
COMIC STRIP ACTION
Don’t be surprised if you see people laughing
out loud as they stroll through the streets of this
city. Giant comic strips plaster the exterior walls
of dozens of buildings across Brussels. Well-
loved characters such as the little blue Smurfs,
young reporter Tintin and action heroes Blake
and Mortimer were all created by Belgian writers.
DEEPER ON DOWN
Brussels is home to Nemo 33, one of the
world’s deepest swimming pools. Divers from
all over Europe come to practise in the 34.5m
(113ft) diving pool. The school runs courses
for everyone from beginners to those looking to
learn apnée (the art of free diving without a tank).
The underground restaurant has picture
windows so that diners can gaze at the
swimmers in the deep.
GET IN LINE!
More chocolate is sold at Brussels’ International Airport than
anywhere else in the world – 1.5kg (3.3lb) of the stuff is bought every
minute! Brussels chocolatier Jean Neuhaus’ wife invented the praline
in 1912. The chocolate shell had a soft cream centre and was sold in
paper cones until Neuhaus came up with the idea of the chocolate
box in 1915.
BRUSSELS
SPROUTS
Yes, these really do come
from Brussels! Sprouts have been
grown in and around the city for at
least 400 years. The pea-green,
nutrition-filled bullets are packed
with vitamins and sulphur – which
is why overcooked sprouts
stink like rotten eggs!
CAUGHT SHORT
Having a wee in public is only allowed in the city if your
name is Manneken Pis
, meaning ‘Little Man Pee’ in the
Brussels dialect, Marols. The tiny bronze statue can be
spotted urinating into a water fountain near the Grand
Place. Once or twice a year Brussels’ famous piddler
is even hooked up to a keg of Belgian beer so that he
wees ale for the locals to drink! Manneken Pis is very
fashion conscious – his clothes are changed two or
three times a week. His full wardrobe of around 900
outfits is stored in the Museum of the City of Brussels,
along with the original 17th century statue.