Belgium: Brussels
Areas in the city:
In a nutshell...
Known as the capital of comic strips, Brussels is also unique for its mix of modern buildings and Art Nouveau style homes.
An animated and festive city, it is not rare to witness a fanfare or a parade in the Grand Place nor is it uncommon to see the Mannekenpis being adomed in a new costume; Brussels is a city for walking.
The city is spread out, with 19 districts depicting many different faces of the capital. Ixelles is famous for its nightlife, where Saint-Gilles, particularly the Maison Horta, is popular with those who are interested in Art Nouveau.
Truly European in character, Brussels offers all the Belgian specialities, from beer to waffles, but Italian and French dishes are also popular. This is a city where everyone can find something of interest.
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Comics in Brussels
In 1997, Belgium celebrated 100 years of comics. During that period, giant frescos began appearing on walls throughout the city, celebrating classic Belgian characters of this 9th Art such as Spirou, Milou, Tintin, Gaston Lagaffe and the Smurfs. For example, on rue de Chevreuil you can see Boule and Bill, the west is immortalized on the rue de la Buanderie by Lucky Luke, Cat is located on boulevard de Midi, Victor Sackville on rue du Marché-au-Charbon, Ric Hochet on rue de Bon-Secours and Cubitus on rue de Flandres.
The representations were created at the request of the city of Brussels with the direct collaboration of the Belgian Center for Comic Strips. A special tour is proposed to witness each of the images (Brussels BD) which can be concluded by a visit to the Center. Located in one of Victor Horta's buildings, this "museum" retraces the history of comic strips with special emphasis on Belgian pioneers of the field from 1929 to present day.
From GARE DU MIDI to CENTRE BELGE DE LA BANDE DESSINEE
Take the tram and get off at Rogier.
From CENTRE BELGE DE LA BANDE DESSINEE to LA BOUTIQUE TINTIN
Get back to boulevard Palchéco and follow boulevard De Berlaimont for 300 meters, continue on boulevard de l'Impératrice. Take a right on rue de la Montaigne, continue for 300 meters then turn left.
