Recently I started doing a regular thing in the mornings, at home and during my trips. I am trying to walk before any breakfast. Physical activity for a better start of the day. Sometimes I am skipping the early food at all, but during traveling I usually have the late breakfast, so I can save money not having a lunch.
I am staying in the North Quarter (Quartier Nord), the main Brussels' business district, which is also called "Little Manhattan". Glass office towers and skyscrapers, with modern urban design. Headquarters of banks, consulting firms and international companies are located here. Buildings are typically 20-40+ stories tall.
The district is centered around Brussels-North railway station, one of Belgium's busiest rail hubs. Built in 1950s, in the Modernist/Functionalist style, the station completely differs from the historic Old Brussels architecture, but also from the surrounding newer business district. Literally, it sits between two architectural worlds.
The breakfast at hotel costs 29 euros! But I found a very nice "orient-style" restaurant near my place. As far as I remember, I paid 24 euros for all this food and drinks.
Alright, after the heavy food there must be walking, as doctors say, for the better digestion. No really plans to visit any specific place, just walking around.
Streets here are very walkable, not many cars. And also some nice picturesque views. In the old town of Brussels buildings are dating from the late Middle Ages through the 18th century. Sometimes it has the impression of some village, but I like it.
I have returned to my hotel to have some rest and to get ready for another interesting adventure.
Sitting in sauna with the view over the city on the upper floor of my hotel, somewhere at the far end I have noticed a green dome of an unknown to me building. I googled and it was the basilica. So, why not to try to reach it on foot?
Finally, I am in front of the church. The distance from my hotel, which is very close to the Rogier metro station, is around 3.5 kilometres. Nice walking along the wide boulevard.
By the way, basilica is a type of a Catholic church. But it is special, because it should receive the honorary title of minor basilica from the Pope (due to some historical, religious or architectural importance). And there are only a few thousand basilicas worldwide.
So, the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, commonly known as the Koekelberg Basilica, started construction in 1905, and completely finished by 1970. It is one of the largest churches in the world and is a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture, with clean geometric lines and restrained decoration. Unlike the Gothic churches in Brussels' Old Town, the Koekelberg Basilica reflects the modern architectural ideas of the 20th century.
But even if you are not into religious matters, you should visit this place, because the dome offers amazing panoramic views over whole Brussels. The large green copper dome is rising about 89 meters high.
To my surprise, there are not many people visiting this church. In my opinion, the main reason is that the church is located a bit far away from the city center.
It was a very nice spot with the basilica and the panoramic views, but quite a long walk, and I am again in the old town, but a bit tired.
Of course, I could not miss visiting a little boy in the town.
Today he is wearing some black-and-green costume. I have no idea, what is the occasion. But as usual, many and many tourists are here. And some of them are disappointed by the sculpture, which is so much talked about (they say "Pissing boy" is one of the greatest disappointments among tourists).
Nevertheless, I need some food. Another traditional meals in the old town restaurant, something with rabbit. And of course, some non-alcoholic Belgium beer.
Again, some must-be walking around the old-town after the good meal.
And the evening I am spending on the main square of Brussels. Festive atmosphere and mood!
Tomorrow I will move to my final stop in Benelux. It should be exciting, because I have never been to Luxembourg before, and I know a little about this tiny city-country (actually, Luxembourg is not the only city in Luxembourg-country, there are in total 12 cities there!).
