Brussels and the headquarters of the ECB: union between art, culture, history and the financial heart of the European Union.
by Barbara Comelato columnist – Photo Franco Buttaro
Located in the heart of Western Europe, Brussels stands out for its rich history, architecture, art, culture and strategic importance.
Its territory extends over the historic center of the Pentagon, the southern neighborhood with Avenue Louise and the Bois de la Cambre, the eastern neighborhood with the European Quarter and the northern neighborhood, established in 1921, abolishing the municipalities of Haren, Laeken and Neder over Heembeek.
The city is home to numerous European institutions, including the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.
Let’s now see which are the most important places to visit.
One of the most important areas to see is the Grand-Place (Grote Markt), Brussels’ main square, famous for its sumptuous architecture and historic buildings, including the Town Hall and guild houses.
We then continue with the Atomium, a futuristic structure built for the 1958 Expo, it represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, which offers a panoramic view of the city.
Continuing you can also observe the famous statue of Manneken Pis, a representation of a small urinating child, a fun and iconic symbol of the city.
Also of note is the visit to the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the famous surrealist artist René Magritte, which houses many of his works and allows you to immerse yourself in his imaginary world.
The Palais Royal (Royal Palace) is the official residence of the King of Belgium, open to the public during the summer, the surrounding gardens are ideal for strolling.
Of great importance is the visit to the European Parliament which allows you to see the European Quarter and the Parliament, where you can take part in guided tours and discover the functioning of the EU institutions.
Brussels is known throughout the world as the political and administrative heart of the European Union, but in addition to the institutional centers of the EU, the city also hosts one of the nerve centers of European monetary policy, the headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB).
The European Central Bank, a fundamental institution for the management of the euro and price stability in the Eurozone, has its headquarters in Brussels, in a modern complex in the Laeken district. The ECB plays a crucial role in keeping inflation under control, shaping monetary policies and overseeing the financial stability of the euro area.
The ECB complex in Brussels consists of several buildings, including the main building, where the Governing Council meetings and administrative offices take place.
The venue is designed to reflect the importance of the institution, combining functionality, security and modern design. It is accessible only to authorized personnel and represents a symbol of economic and monetary cooperation between the member countries of the Eurozone.
The close proximity with other European institutions favors collaboration and coordination of economic policies between member countries.
This concentration of institutions has made Brussels a true “political capital” of Europe, a place where decisions are made that influence millions of European citizens.
Other places to visit are the Sablon Quarter, an elegant area with antique shops, refined cafes and the Notre-Dame du Sablon church, famous for its stained glass windows and sculptures.
The Museum of Fine Arts holds a vast collection of art from the 14th to 19th centuries, including pieces by Bruegel, Rubens and other masters.
Furthermore, the Parc du Cinquantenaire is a large park with monumental arches, museums and green spaces, ideal for relaxing.
Finally, the Delirium Café for beer lovers, this place offers one of the largest selections of beers in the world.
A visit to the city of at least 2 or 3 days is recommended in order to explore the main sites and savor the local cuisine.
