The huge Citadel is not the only example of military architecture in Lille, a city in the northern part of France that was part of the Spanish Netherlands until the 17th century. Porte de Paris, or “Gate of Paris,” is a magnificent arch that stands just east of Lille’s historical center known as “Vieux-Lille.” Built …

Every city has that special place where it all began, and in Bruges, this spot is referred to as “Burg Square.” The name of the square is a reference to the fact that it was once the home of the fortress that protected the city during the Early Middle Ages. I say Early Middle Ages …

Ghent is a city in Belgium that is often referred to as the Manhatten of the Middle Ages. That’s because it’s home to some of the most stunning landmarks built during this period in architectural history. It’s also in Ghent that you can find the Ghent Altarpiece, the incredible masterpiece by the van Eyck brothers …

Colorful maritime paintings that are both expressive and turbulent define the oeuvre of J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851). Especially during the final period of Turner’s career, he captured the wild sea in a way that very few artists have done in art history. The English painter completed one of his ultimate masterpieces after being inspired by a …

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Antwerp, where history and modernity blend seamlessly to create a captivating atmosphere – the Groenplaats! Nestled in the heart of this enchanting Belgian city, the Groenplaats is a picturesque square that exudes a charm unlike any other. As you step onto the cobblestone pavement, you’ll be greeted by a …

The Winged Victory of Samothrace is a marble sculpture that has been a symbol of triumph, beauty, and grace for over 2,000 years. This masterpiece, also known as the Nike of Samothrace, depicts the Greek goddess Nike, who was the personification of victory. The statue is considered to be one of the most significant works …

Iceland is a remote country in the utmost northwestern country of Europe and is best known for its magnificent natural wonders. Because of the abundance of natural beauty, a distinct type of landscape painting emerged in this sparsely-populated place in the 20th century. Many Icelandic artists were trained in northern Europe. Because of this, they …

When one of the most famous Flemish artists in history returned to his native city after a nearly decade-long stay in Italy, he earned many prestigious commissions. Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) moved back to Antwerp in 1609 and the art he produced in the following years was heavily inspired by the Italian art he encountered …

When you think of a famous medieval fortress in Ghent, the first building that comes to mind is without a doubt the Gravensteen Castle. The so-called “Castle of the Counts” played a major role in the city’s history as it became the official residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. Later on, this remarkable …

The Northern Renaissance emerged in the region of modern-day Belgium and this particular painter is considered to be one of the greats during the 15th century. Rogier van der Weyden (1399-1464) earned commissions from all around Europe as the nobility wanted to get their hands on the Early Netherlandisch paintings produced by this incredible talent. …