Fort 8 is a spot that not just evokes a sense of nostalgia, but also stands as a reminder of the city's rich past. Built in the 19th century as the cit's first line of defense, the fort was commissioned to protect the many castles of the land by infringing oncoming armies. Stretching across the entire south of Hoboken, the fort is one of the oldest and most preserved fortified structures and is also one of the major historic attractions in the city.
Chateau of Val-Duchess is a historic structure which was constructed in 1780 and was previously home to the prioress of the Val Duchesse priory which was founded in 1262. In the early 20th Century the chateau was donated to the Royal Trust of Belgium. Following this transfer it has played a significant role as a meeting place for discussions in European and Belgian politics. In recent years it has been used as the venue of the Belgo-British Conference.
Located in Leuven, the Grand Béguinage is a historic area of the city that contains remnants of the olden days. The area contains many interconnected streets, gardens and squares that reflect the cultural tradition of the city. It is believed that monks used to live in the monastery or béguinage from the 13th Century onwards. The flourishing monastery was later restored in the 20th Century. Today, the University of Leuven is headquartered here. The neighborhood has been designated a UNESCO heritage site.
Located in Heverlee, the Kasteel van Arenberg is an incredibly beautiful mansion that reflects a Neo-Gothic form of architecture. It dates back to the 14th Century and can be attributed to the lords of Heverlee. In 1446, the premises were purchased by the Van Croy clan. In the 16th Century, the structure was modeled in keeping with the Renaissance style of architecture. It was further restructured in the 19th Century. A guided visit of the premises can be arranged on appointment.
The Stoclet Palace is an epitome of pure class and luxury, and it defines the finesse of celebrated architect Josef Hoffmann. Constructed during 1905 through 1911, the Stoclet Palace is, till this day, the residence of the Stocklet family. The house has a gorgeous exterior which is built after drawing inspiration from the Art Nouveau philosophy in amalgamation with creative inputs from Koloman Moser and Gustav Klimt. The geometrical exterior with pastel paints and the gardens that immeasurably add to its beauty, set the Stoclet Palace apart from its contemporaries constructed under the Vienna Secession. Each of the rooms of the house are designed with utmost attention to detail and tastefully decorated with a futuristic view point. Albeit closed for visitors, a visit to Brussels is incomplete without having a look at the Stoclet Palace (Palais Stoclet).
The Collegiate Church of Saint Gertrude is located in the city of Nivelles in the Wallon region of Belgium. In 1046, it was consecrated by Wazo, the bishop of Liège, in Henry III, the Holy Roman Emperor’s presence. Its architectural style is Romanesque, with inspiration drawn from Roman and Byzantium cultures: the transept is recognizable with its red and grey carved pillars, the church itself, has an archetypal semi-circular apse, and the turrets are octagonal.