From its medieval cities to its poignant war memorials, the history of Belgium is one that truly deserves to be explored. With fascinating stories and unique tales around every corner, you’re sure to find plenty to interest you on a cultural trip to this wonderful country.
Visit the Battlefield of Waterloo
If you’ve got an interest in famous battles, you should include a trip to the Battlefield of Waterloo in your Belgian itinerary. The Waterloo Visitor Centre is a great place to learn all about the battle in an engaging way, and is home to 3D films and the only complete skeleton recovered from the battlefield.
There are around 130 small monuments and statues dotted around, but the main attraction is Lion’s Mound. Here, you will see a 4.5m tall cast iron lion, with its paw resting on a globe, which symbolises how the battle brought peace to the world. Rising 40m above the battlefield, the top of the mound can be reached by climbing 226 steep steps, although these should only be attempted if you’re feeling fit and energetic.
Climb Bruges’ Belfry
Possibly the city’s most recognisable landmark, Bruges’ Belfry has stood in the Market Square since 1240, although it needed rebuilding after a fire in 1280. Throughout the years, fires, lightning, and other events have meant that parts of the Belfry have needed restoring, but it’s always remained an important part of the city’s history.
Previously home to both the treasury and the municipal archives, the Belfry would also alert locals to everything from the time and working hours to warning them of any trouble on the horizon. For amazing panoramic views of Bruges, climb the Belfry’s 366 steps and look out across the city from the top.
Explore Gravensteen Castle, Ghent
Gravensteen Castle has been many things during its time, including a prison and court, Ghent’s mint, and even a cotton factory. Originally, the castle was home to the Counts after its creation in 1180, but this purpose ceased in 1353. These days, Gravensteen Castle boasts the best-preserved moat and defence system in Flanders, and is a great place to visit during your holiday in Belgium.
Tourists of all ages will love the castle’s audio guide, as it’s very entertaining in addition to being informative. The bravest travellers will enjoy checking out all of the torture equipment located in the dark depths of the castle, and the open courtyard is the perfect place for taking some holiday snaps. You’ll also get great views across the city from the top of the walls!
See the Menin Gate, Ypres
One of the most famous war memorials in the world, the Menin Gate was created to remember 55,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who have no known grave. The perfect place to pay your respects to those who died in the war, you can witness the Last Post every day at 8pm in the memorial’s Hall of Memory. At this time, all traffic is stopped and local buglers play their instruments, regardless of the weather or how many people are present.
Due to the impact that the Great War had on Ypres, there are lots of memorials and cemeteries that you can visit in and around the city. The Tyne Cot Cemetery, which is the largest Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery in the world, is certainly an important place to visit during your time here, and you’ll find the Tyne Cot memorial on the eastern boundary of the cemetery.
With so many interesting attractions to teach you about the history of Belgium, book your Hull to Rotterdam crossing today and immerse yourself in all that this cultural country has to offer.
