Location - Belgium
Since World War II, Brussels, Belgium, has emerged as a power city, the epicenter of global politics. It’s the effective capital of the European Union, home to the EU’s main base of operations, as well as the headquarters of NATO. Nearly a third of Brussels’ population carries a foreign passport making this city the consummate multi-national, multi-cultural metropolis.
Residents enjoy a mild climate, low crime rates and greenery. With its parks and squares, Brussels is one of the greenest capitals on the continent. It is also a place of remarkable architecture. La Grand-Place, the beautiful people-packed central square, is surrounded with such a remarkable collection of baroque, gothic and Louis XVI architecture that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brussels’ architectural heritage is a rich one. It is most famously known for its Art Nouveau buildings, which are brilliantly represented in the facades of some 500 homes, institutions, cafes and shops.
The city is divided into 19 communes or districts. The historic center with a pentagon-shaped inner ring road, is the heart of Brussels with its ornate buildings and cobblestone streets. The fashionable Sablon neighborhood is one of the most sought-after, notable for its antique dealers and café society lifestyle. Artists and gallerists gravitate to the area emerging around the Brussels-Charleroi Canal where warehouses have been converted into modern loft apartments.
The communes of Ixelles, Uccle and Woluwe-Saint-Pierre are other top choices for the well-heeled. Ixelles is home to fashionable neighborhoods including the picturesque Ixelles Ponds area lined with examples of fine 20th century architecture. Uccle is a posh international community of pocket-sized squares and medieval cul-de-sacs. Many residences feature prominent private gardens. Swanky Woluwe-Saint-Pierre is a largely residential community with parks and gardens. A number of embassies are based here.
For those seeking more spacious acreage, Belgium doesn’t disappoint. The country has more castles per square mile than any other. Ramparts included.
