Brussels Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 17, 2024
Brussels Then
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is situated in the valley of the Senne River, a small tributary of the Schelde River.
It became officially known as the Brussels-Capital Region in 1989, following the federalization of Belgium.
The city’s name is thought to have originated from the Old Dutch terms “Bruocsella,” “Broekzele,” or “Broeksel,” which roughly translate to “settlement in the marsh.”
This reflects the region’s historical geography, where marshland was a prominent feature.
The first recorded mention of Brussels as “Brosella” dates back to 695 AD by Saint Vindicianus, the Bishop of Cambrai, when it was still a small hamlet.
While most of the municipalities within the Brussels-Capital Region have names of Dutch origin, Evere stands out with a name that might be of Celtic or Old Frankish origin, adding to the region’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Brussels History
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has a rich and varied history that stretches back to prehistoric times.
The first known mention of the city comes from the 10th century, with the name Bruocsella, derived from Old Dutch, meaning “settlement in the marshes.”
The city’s strategic location on the Senne River and an east-west trade route linking towns on the Rhine and in Flanders allowed it to develop into an important market hub.
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By the 12th century, Brussels had grown into one of the major towns in the duchy of Brabant, famed for its luxury fabric industry, which contributed to the city’s economic prosperity.
Throughout the medieval period, Brussels faced political tensions, including uprisings and invasions, but it also flourished artistically and architecturally, particularly during the Burgundian period.
Notably, in the 15th century, Brussels became a cultural center, with the construction of landmarks such as the Town Hall and the flourishing of fine arts.
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Despite challenges, including French invasions and political instability, the city regained prominence under the reign of Charles V in the 16th century.
The establishment of several government councils in the city solidified its political role in the Low Countries.
The Reformation and subsequent conflicts, such as the Eighty Years’ War, impacted Brussels significantly, with the city shifting between Protestant and Catholic control.
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After the rebellion of the Low Countries against Spanish Habsburg rule, Brussels remained a part of the Spanish Netherlands until the 18th century, when it became part of the Austrian Netherlands.
During this time, the city endured hardship, including invasions by the French, but also experienced an economic recovery that transformed Brussels into a financial center.
The 19th century saw further political change, with Brussels becoming the capital of independent Belgium in 1830 after the Belgian Revolution.
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The city’s role as a political and economic center grew, aided by infrastructure development, including the expansion of its transport system and modern residential districts.
Brussels faced the hardships of both World Wars, including occupation by German forces during World War I and World War II.
Following the war, the city underwent significant reconstruction and became a center of international diplomacy with the establishment of European institutions, marking Brussels as the capital of the “new Europe.”
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The late 20th century brought new challenges and transformations to Brussels, including suburbanization and tensions between the Flemish and Walloon communities over language and territorial control.
To address these issues, Belgium underwent constitutional reforms, and Brussels became the Brussels-Capital Region in 1989, a federal region with considerable autonomy.
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As the headquarters of the European Union, Brussels solidified its role as a global political hub, representing the heart of European governance and diplomacy.
Today, the city is not only Belgium’s capital but also a cosmopolitan center that blends historical heritage with modern international significance.
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Brussels Now
Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is not only the political heart of the country but also a major international center.
Located in the central part of Belgium, it forms the Brussels-Capital Region, which consists of 19 municipalities, including the City of Brussels itself.
Geographically, it lies within the linguistic regions of both the French and Flemish Communities, but it is distinct from the surrounding Flemish and Walloon Regions.
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Historically, Brussels was a Dutch-speaking area, but over time, it has shifted to predominantly French-speaking, making French the majority language and the main lingua franca, although Dutch remains an official language as well.
In recent years, Brussels has become more multilingual, with English widely spoken, especially among expatriates and migrants.
Brussels has evolved from a small rural settlement along the Senne River into a thriving metropolis.
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It has played a central role in European politics, becoming the de facto capital of the European Union, hosting key EU institutions such as the European Commission, European Council, and NATO headquarters.
This makes Brussels a significant hub for diplomacy, politics, and international affairs.
Its importance extends beyond politics, as it is a financial powerhouse with a high GDP per capita, although the average income per household is lower compared to other regions in Belgium.
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The city is also the largest metropolitan area in Belgium, with over 2.5 million people living in the greater Brussels region, and it forms part of a larger economic conurbation known as the Flemish Diamond, encompassing cities like Ghent, Antwerp, and Leuven.
Brussels is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is famous for its architectural landmarks, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Grand-Place and the Atomium.
The city is also known for its culinary traditions, including iconic Belgian dishes like waffles, chocolate, French fries, and an impressive variety of local beers.
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Furthermore, Brussels has a strong tradition in the world of comics, earning it the reputation as the “capital of comic strips.”
The city’s role as a cultural and economic crossroads is further highlighted by its status as a key transportation hub.
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It is home to the busiest airport and train stations in Belgium, and its metro system is the only rapid transit system in the country.
Brussels’ central location in Europe, combined with its cultural and political significance, makes it a dynamic and influential city on the global stage.
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FAQs
Brussels is officially bilingual, with French being the majority language. Although historically Dutch-speaking, it shifted to French in the late 19th century. German is not widely spoken in Brussels.
Brussels is famous for its role as the de facto capital of the European Union, its historical landmarks like the Grand-Place and Atomium, its iconic cuisine (waffles, chocolate, fries, and beer), and its status as the capital of comic strips.
Yes, English is widely spoken in Brussels, especially in international settings and among expatriates, though French and Dutch are the official languages.
The capital of Belgium is Brussels.