Netherlands, Belgium, Flanders … Multiple names to designate a unique and vibrant region. At present, the term of medieval Flanders leads to a symbolic territory, suggesting a jewel quiet and well kept, which are located in the heart of the old continent seems beat to the rhythm of a mysterious past cultural and political appears to have stopped in time.
A careful conservation of architectural space and a natural harmonious and integrated, which tastes the best chocolate artisan, there are six varieties of beer, or which serves the best mussels with french fries cannot fail to surprise the visitor who immediately feel flattered by such a joyous welcome.

But what makes visitors come to satisfy their instinct is traveling further the artistic treasures that this region stores. The memory of the many painters trained in these areas, sculptors, tapestry weavers, goldsmiths and architects seem to roam … the most vital cities in Flanders. An urbanism where time has stopped making these great men in history are still perceived by international visitors, calming longing lifted from contact with his previous work. And that cultural conservation is most striking for the fact that in Flanders has been natural to keep it alive. This is not a tourism campaign to attract people. The flamingos are aware that artists are an essential part of their everyday, so you seek a true and timeless hospitality.

If the street is the place where the souls of beat artists, the many museums keep the most valuable and admired. Among the names linked intimately to the Netherlands, it is noteworthy that of Rubens, Bruegel Eycko Van Van Dyck, men who made this a great gathering of artists. Today was also up Flanders as the cradle of art collecting contemporary works of Magritte, Delvaux and Ensor.

Mystical city in the middle
Within urban architecture include Beguinazgos called. A kind of monastery as an open urban community. They were women who wanted to dedicate their lives to God but do not want to withdraw from the world. Home, streets, churches, squares up … people within the cities themselves with a host of peculiar character. At present, these sites are recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage.

This type of construction points to the special meaning of Flemish folklore, an intimate connection that is linked to a popular craft in the sense that they are exposed in their own streets, plugged into the refined tastes of its people. Of its luster as the birthplace of monarchs stressed the manufacture of tapestries, being the largest collection in the city of Oudenaarde.

Regarding the music, Flanders holds the same care as the rest of their gear. Numerous festivals are celebrated in the streets and cultural centers and even running into a church and enjoy the live sound of the organ as this instrument is highly valued and used by the Belgians.

Three highlights are the cities of the region: Bruges, Ghent and Brussels, united by art, and other qualities. Among the most beautiful in Europe with Bruges shows its splendor and safety channels, streets, churches, temples and museums. Like a scene from a story it was, you will feel enveloped in the romantic role of the city. Traffic and a minimum hull largely tonal, they can be contemplated with the delicacy and they deserved to know the exquisite sensitivity of some Europeans who have succeeded in giving the true sense of prosperity to the twentieth century.

Brussels, Bruges and Ghent
Stopping at Bruges is to appoint many museums and beautiful places but the singular form is characterized by the art of lace. Go to Santa Ana and see the famous encajeras is unforgettable.

Brussels is the capital of Flanders and she sees the imprint of the monarchy in particular. Visitors will have the luxury of a walk through of the oldest streets of Europe, 1846, San Huberto Gallery, while the culinary heart of the city.

Compared to the traditional art that highlights the cathedral and San Miguel Santa Gudule the thirteenth century with Renaissance stained-glass windows and gothic style or Zavel neighborhood of antiques of immense beauty, which has managed to accommodate modern science. This is Heizel, where struggled atomy Giant an iron molecule enlarged 165,000 million times.

And to finish with more urban history, the city of Ghent. Ghent is walk through walk through the history of Europe, can I say more? There are three towers that mark the city’s architecture and is the cathedral of San Bavón the most impressive. His unification of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque worth a visit. By dropping that Charles V was baptized in 1500 in it and there is the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the brothers Van Eyck, the visitor cannot resist.

Ghent has a special charm provided by the Lys River, which cuts. Strolling placidly by the side of rest and beauty it produces by all that surrounds alagua sweet. Next to him, or Korenlei Graslei neighborhoods with houses of the centuries XII to XVII, which are reflected in the River. For confluence, the visitor will find the medieval fortress built in the twelfth century by the Counts of Flanders: the impressive Gravensteen. For those looking for more local, Ghent celebrates the July 21 celebrations. Ten days of culture inhabit its streets.

But Flanders is not just architectural conservation. The green of the surrounding area boasts a splendid harmonious with the lifestyle of its inhabitants, people of peaceful and friendly nature. Purple heather, woods and meadows, plains and hilly roads that lead to healthier: a bicycle or on foot, all well marked and maintained always as picturesque.

For those pursuing the coast, Flanders shows many cities well supplied and beautiful wings that come the waves. This is the case of Ostend, the queen of seaside resorts that have the knowledge of harmony while retaining the history that is as current and marine enclave.

Undoubtedly, Flanders is the balance of modernity well assimilated. A wisdom that comes from the past, and that translates into beauty.