Brussels Lion

Statue of a lion holding a shield representing the coat of arms of the city of Brussels. It depicts the city's patron saint - Archangel Michael - slaying a devil.

Brussels Lacemaker

This animated mannikin in front of a Brussels art and lace store moved her hands forward and back to mimic the motions of lacemaking.

Stormy Skies Over Brussels

The gothic Town Hall of Brussels was built in the 1400s. The various statues on the facade represent nobles, saints and allegorical figures.

Pralines

Chocolates and pralines on display in a store window in Brussels, Belgium. They are every bit as delicious as they look!

Guild Houses, Brussels

Guild houses along the Grand Place in Brussels, including the residence of Victor Hugo.

Early Morning in the Grand Place

I took this photograph as soon as I arrived in Brussels, despite being extremely jet-lagged. I was a bit disappointed because the famous square was being prepped for a music festival and the equipment and stages sort of spoiled the historic feel, although I have to admit it was a perfect place for the crowds to enjoy a concert.

Colorful Corner

Flowers create a colorful border at a restaurant in a corner of the Grand Place in Brussels, Belgium.
Texture by Shadowhouse Creations.

The Old Pharmacy Transformed

This image began with a photo of an old pharmacy in Brussels which was built in 1895 and combines many styles of architecture. I've added fog, birds, a moon and a texture from Shadowhouse Creations to create an eerie night scene.

Brussels Museum Banner

The bright red banner of the City of Brussels Museum. The museum is located in the Grand Place, inside the Maison du Roi, or King's House, and was built in the 14th century.  It showcases the history of Brussels and contains a room filled entirely with costumes for the Mannekin Pis, the famous peeing boy statue. Many of the costumes have been donated by countries all over the world and include costumes of Elvis and Dracula.
Textures by Shadowhouse Creations and Natmarie

Lion Door Knocker

Ornate brass door knocker seen in Brussels, Belgium.
Texture by Brenda Starr.

Bikes in Brussels

Bicycles for rent on the Place Agora near our Brussels hotel. This is a popular and busy square, surrounded by restaurants and hotels. There was also a flea market underway on this day.
Canvas texture by Shadowhouse Creations.

Brussels Clock

The Jacquemart carillion on the Mont des Arts in Brussels was built for the 1958 World's Fair and originally depicted 12 folkloric and historic Belgian figures. The figure on top represents the Brussels mayor, who strikes the bell on every hour.
Texture by Ellen vd.

Don Quixote

This bronze statue of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza in Brussels is a replica of the original in Madrid.
Textures by Stephanie in Love and Shadowhouse Creations.

Grand Place Cafe

Another photo of the Grand Place in Brussels, showing the colorful flowers and awnings, as well as the variation in detail of the centuries-old buildings.
Texture by joes sistah.

Grand Place Facades

This photo was taken along the beautiful Grand Place in Brussels, with its myriad chocolate shops and outdoor cafes.
Texture by Lenabem-Anna.

Rue des Bouchers

The Rue des Bouchers in Brussels, Belgium is one of those European streets that is so atmospheric in the evenings. Lined with tempting outdoor cafes offering all types of cuisine, tourists are drawn in by the friendly waiters competing for diners.

I added textures by cathair studios and Shadowhouse Creations.

Grand Place, Brussels

This image started with a photo of several guildhalls on the Grand Place, the central square in Brussels, Belgium. The pedestrian-only square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, popular with tourists not only for its beautiful 19th century architectural recreations of the original 14th and 15th century buildings, but also as a setting for rock concerts in the summer.

I've added a music texture, as well as a texture from Shadowhouse Creations.