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History & Evolution
Officially, Brussels was founded in the year 979, but non-confirmed legends and stories supposes that the area now known as Brussels has been inhabited since 2250 BC, when an agrarian Neolithic civilization set up shop in what are now the districts of Schaerbeek, Boitsfort and Uccle.

However, the first written confirmation of the existence of the city is given in the year 977, when the German emperor Otto II gave Low-Lorraine to Carl of France who decided to build a fortress) on the island, with which the Brussels was born. The reign was taken over by Lambert I of Leuven in 11th century. Under Lambert II of Leuven, a new fortress and the first city walls were built.

In 12th century, the Counts of Leuven became Dukes of Brabant and this small town became an important stop on the trade route expanding its population as well as the area. Therefore, Brussels becomes a thriving city until the end of 14th century after which the city faced a 50 years economic recession but survived.

At around the same time Philip the Bold marries Margaret, an heiress of Joan, with which the reign of Brussels came into the hands of the Bourgondians. But not for a long time as after the death of Carl the Bold in 1477, his daughter marries Maximilian of Austria with which Brussels again exchanged hands to the Habsburgians.

In 1555 the emperor of that time, Charles V was abdicated and was succeeded by a liberal-thinking king, William of Orange. Brussels however suffers under the merciless Duke of Alva, official representative of Philip II and soon with the help of William of Orange started a revolution and chased Alva away.

General Villeroy of KING LOUIS XIV of France attacked the city in 1695 destroying the city’s heart by setting more than 4,000 houses and many medieval buildings on fire.

The Belgian revolution took place in Brussels after a performance of Auber's opera La Muette de Portici at De Munt or La Monnaie theatre in 1830 and in the very next year Leopold I, the first King of Belgians took over the throne of the city. Under his rule Brussels went a makeover as the king undertook the construction of many buildings.

However, again on May 10, 1940, the German army bombed Brussels. But even WWI (1914-1918) and WWII (1940-1945) were not able to stop the further development of the city. After WWII Belgium was divided into two semi-independent regions, Flanders and Walloon Provinces and then becomes a district with its own government but with restricted powers.

Today with modern offices of EU and NATO together with historical buildings, Brussels has maintained a unique balance between the historic and modern spirit of the city.

Site-Seeing
Brussels has such a variety of things to see that it can sometimes be overwhelming. History is just around every corner of the city with more than 75 museums in addition to impressive public buildings, leafy parks and interesting squares.

The heart-shaped city center contains many of Brussels's most popular attractions while the good public transport provide efficient services to those attractions which are beyond walking distance.

The Grand Place:
The Grand Place square is the heart of Brussels pulsating with the energy of tourists, officials, street artists and musicians. It is indeed one of the most memorable, vibrant and beautiful squares in Europe containing architectural wonders ranging from Romanesque Cathedral St. Michele to the tower of the Hotel de Ville and the Maison du Roi (House of the King).

The square is surrounded by richly decorated 17th century Baroque Guildhouses, various Neo-Gothic buildings and museums, however, it is the town hall, a magnificent Gothic building that dominates the square.

Spring through fall, a daily flower market, flocking tourists and various other events enhances the charm of the square, while on summer nights the square is lit up in bright lights and live music bands perform adding to the gaiety of the place.

Location: Musee de la Ville de Bruxelles

Mannekin-Pis
Mannekin-Pis is a world famous bronze statue of a chubby little urchin, peeing into the fountain’s basin. This distinctive statue also described as the Eiffel Tower of Brussels, is not only an amusing local sight but a representative of Belgium’s illustrious history. Thronged by the tourists all round the year, Mannekin-Pis has numerous tales about its beginnings. Since the time Louis XV of France, it has been the custom of foreign countries, companies, visiting dignitaries or charities to donate an outfit to the Mannekis-Pis. The little boy is usually decked out in the latest costumes, which are later displayed in the City of Brussels Museum.

Location: Rue de l'Etuve

The Palais Royale (Royal Palace):
The Royal Palace was begun by King William I (1815–30) in the 19th century and later expanded by Leopold II. Though now the royal family resides in Laeken, in northern Brussels, but the palace is still used as royal office and for state functions. It even opens to public from the end of July until early September with its Throne Room, chandeliers, tapestries and gracious dining room.

The Palace is situated opposite to the Parc de Bruxelles, which possesses Brussels' most affluent buildings and key attractions including a formal 1870s park with poker-straight tree-lined avenues, Modern Art Museum, Fine Arts Museum, the Grand Sablon (a lively square astride with cafes and boutiques) and numerous cafes and boutiques.

Location: Rue Bredeorde 16

Atomium:
Atomium is monument representing a unit cell of an iron crystal. This huge, 103m (335 ft) tall figure was built for the 1958 Brussels World's Fair (Expo '58) and has 9 steel spheres 18m in diameter connect via tubes with escalators as long as 35m, among the longest in Europe.

Windows in the top sphere provide a panoramic view of the city

Location: Eeuwfeestlaan/Boulevard du Centenaire

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium:
Located in the downtown area within a five-minute walking distance from the Palace of Justice, the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) and the Porte de Namur/, Royal Museum is one of the most famous museums in Belgium.

The museum possesses over 20,000 drawings, sculptures and paintings dating back to the early 15th century. Along with the paintings of Breughel and Robert Campin (the Master of Flemelle), the museum has an extensive collection of other Flemish paintings. It is also proud of its "Rubens Room", which houses more than 20 drawings and paintings by the artist.

There are other four museums connected with the Royal Museum two of which (the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art) are in the main building while the two (the Museum Constantin Meunier and the Antoine Wiertz Museum are dedicated to specific Belgian artists.

Location: Rue du Musee