If the weather allows it, one must not miss the opportunity of take a breath of fresh air, or to take a walk between a museum and the other, in one of the many parks and gardens of the city. The capital is in fact one of the greenest in Europe. Even in the highly urbanised areas one can find some oasis of peace where to take a stroll or take the children to play. Here are some directions for the tourist, or whoever is only in town for a short time, to some green areas that can be easily reached.

If one is in the centre and only needs to take a short brake can sit on one of the benches of the lovely and romantic garden in the Pétit Sablon letting oneself be enchanted by the palpable presence of centuries of history and the elegance of the surrounding buildings. Not very far away is the Royal Park (Parc de Bruxelles) where, apart from feeling the attraction of the monarchic past and of historically eventful happenings, one can see a concert, or a show, or street performers.

The Park of the Fiftieth Anniversary (Cinquantenaire) is one of the “city lungs” which attracts many visitors. The thirty-six hectares of green host important museums such as the Royal Museum of art and history, the Army Museum and Autoworld (an exposition of antique cars). Its gardens are delimited by symmetrical lines that with the floral decorations, the lawns, and trees, make of the park a pleasurable place where to take a walk. The Fiftieth Anniversary was transformed from military area to a space where to place the Universal Exposition and where to celebrate Belgium’s Fiftieth Independence Anniversary in 1880. The Arc of triumph, only completed in 1905, imposes itself majestic in the central part of the park, it was built to illustrate the glorious past of the city. The arch is crowned by a bronze quadriga that represents the Belgian province of Brabant. At the back of the park there are a great mosque and a classical style pavilion, designed by the great architect Victor Horta at the beginning of the last century.

The most crowded park, particularly packed with youths, during the most beautiful days is the central one of Bois de la Cambre. This park is natural continuation of the huge Foret de Soignes, and owns its name to the near Abbey de la Cambre. Thanks to the high concentration of great trees, the park has a very wild appearance even if it’s situated right in the middle of the city. There is also an artificial lake full of animals (ducks, swans, birds) that attracts both adults and children. During the summer, on Sunday mornings, classical music concerts and of various other genres take place as well.

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