Which city can be better than Brussels to know the European political life? This city is the seat of three European institutions: the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament. These institutions protect the commons interests of the EU and European citizens. The powers, responsibilities and procedures of the institutions are defined in the Founding Treaties of the European Union. Just think how the EU would be without them: it couldn’t promote peace and the welfare of citizens. Thanks to them Brussels is considered the capital de facto of the European Union, which means “rightfully”, “by law”. Its name comes from Broucsella, literally “home in the swamp”. Beyond the political heart of Brussels, it is hidden an important UNESCO heritage which includes the Grand Place, the central square of Brussels. It is part of an architectural complex composed of: Hotel de Ville, the city hall 96 meters high surmounted by a statue of Saint Thomas; Maison de Roi, residence of the monarchs in the past and seat of the Musée de la Ville now, where we can take a look at artifacts of the 16th century such as paintings, carpets and the clothes of the Mannekin Pis. Interestingly, the above mentioned statue is considered the symbol of Brussels. Even though we must think of a big statue or building to represent a city, the Mannekin Pis is only 50 cm tall. It represents a naked baby urinating. In the past, the original statue was stolen; so they collocated on the fountain a copy realized by Jérôme Duquesnoy. Subsequently this copy had been the object of various thefts, so we don’t know exactly if the statue we can look at today is another copy or not. Now that you have an idea of what Brussels is like, have you booked your flight yet? If not, what are you waiting for?
