Belgium 11/08/2012-13/08/2012: Brussels a Royal Destination

From August 11th. till August 13th 2012, I visited Brussels.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is really the destination for Royalty fans, like me.
These places are important for the Belgian Royal family.

Royal Palace

Outside view

Royal Palace in Brussels Belgium

This palace is not used as residence but as office for the Kings of Belgium.

King Albert II of Belgium lives in Belvedere Castle in Laken (near Brussels).

During the Summer holiday, the Royal Palace is free for visit 

(when the King is not there).

In several rooms you can see rich furniture and beautiful paintings.

They are telling a (very) brief history of the Royal Family. 

You can take pictures inside and outside the building. 

Well known inhabitants: 

- Napoleon (French Emperor)

- Wiliam II of the Netherlands and his wife Anna Pavlovna of Russia

- Leopold I

- Leopold II

....

ST. Goedele cathedral

St. Goedele Cathedral

Marriages and funerals of the Royal Family take place in this cathedral

The Thumb of the Unknown Soldier

Thumb of the Unknown soldier

At the feet of the Congress Column is the thumb of the unknown soldier. 
This congress column reminds the  National Congress of 1830 
that confirmed the Belgian constitution.

In 1922, here was buried a unknown soldier from the First World War.

By each foreign State Visit, the head of State visits the thumb of 
the unknown soldier. The Heads of State lay down a garland.