Belgium
is situated in northwestern Europe with its borders
touching Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and
France. While Dutch is the official language most people
speak French and German as well as English, notably in
the Flemish region.
Belgium's landscape is full of contrasts ranging from
the sprawling plains in the north and the west to the
rivers and gorges of the Ardennes in the southeast.
Belgium boast rich forestland near the border with
Germany as well as infinite stretches of sandy beaches
along the northern coast. Belgium is also extremely rich
in historical sites, dotted throughout the country, with
churches, castles and picturesque ancient cities.
Brussels, the capital is also rich in historical
heritage with the spectacular Gothic Grand Place, the St
Gudule's Cathedral, the splendid Place Royale and the
Mont des Arts Park amongst many other historical and
cultural sites.
Antwerp offers more traditional attractions as well as
contemporary ones with the striking Grote Markt,
commemorating the legend of the city's origins and the
18th century Groenplaats, featuring the statue of
Rubens. The city of Bruges is an UNESCO World Heritage
site, of magnificent splendor with its Cathedral, belfry
tower and 14th century town hall. Gent is yet another
town which boasts many historical sites as well as Liège,
whose citadel towers over the riverbank of the River
Meuse. Finally do not miss Belgium's second oldest city,
Tournai, which features two UNESCO heritage buildings,
the Cathedral of Our Lady and the oldest belfry in
Belgium.
The climate is typically seasonal, warm from May to
September with wet winters and frequent snowfalls.
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