Category: Attractions

The Torre della Serpe, a towering landmark in the heart of Florence, stands as a captivating reminder of the city’s rich history. This iconic structure, with its unique serpentine shape and weathered stone facade, has witnessed centuries of Florentine life unfolding beneath it. Its commanding position offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the grandeur of this Renaissance gem.

Restored, 17th-century house where Rembrandt lived & worked for 20 years, hung with his etchings.

Palace of the constitutional monarchy, with throne & other state rooms open for tours each summer.

Cultural center in a former botanical glasshouse, with regular concerts, art exhibitions & theater.

This 15th-century Catholic church is known for its baroque chapels & Gothic architecture.

The Grand Place has been the heart of Brussels since the 11th century, when a market square first formed at the site. Its current Baroque appearance dates to a dramatic rebuilding after Louis XIV’s army bombarded the city for 36 hours in August 1695, destroying most of the medieval square; the trade guilds rebuilt within five years in the unified ornate style seen today.

The square is ringed by elaborately decorated guild houses, each facade carved with symbols of the trade it once represented, from the boatmen’s Le Cornet with its galleon-stern rooftop to the butchers’ guildhall La Cygne. The Gothic Town Hall and the King’s House, now the City Museum, complete the ensemble.

The square itself is free and open around the clock, and a walk-through visit takes about an hour; pairing it with the City Museum or a Town Hall tour extends a visit to three or four hours.

Small downtown area on a hill, with a landscaped garden, museums, and notable architecture.

Built in an eclectic neoclassical style, this huge court building is the highest court in the land.

Belgium’s national church, host to royal weddings & funerals, built in the Brabant Gothic style.

This ornate shopping center under an arched glass roof offers high-end shops, eateries & theaters.