The Brussels skyline explained

I’ve received quite a few emails from people who visit this site from abroad asking for more information about the structures that populate the Brussels skyline pictured in the new one.point.zero header.

So, from left to right you have:

The TV Tower: this structure is not very interesting but its distinctive outline is recognisable by anyone who’s spent a little time in Brussels. It’s located quite close to where I live and, as such, is part of my daily view.

The Cinquantenaire arches: erected by King Leopold II for the 50th anniversary of Belgium’s independence, but finally finished in time for its 75th. They’re supposed to illustrate the glorious past of Brussels, but are really a monument to the King’s plundering and raping of the congo as they were built principally with his personal funds acquired there. The arches are surrounded by several museums and a park. Amusingly, they were also used in a Marilyn Manson video where their “nazi-like” architecture fit the bill perfectly.

The Atomium:  built for the 1958 international exhibition of Brussels (also known as Expo 58), the structure symbolises a crystallised molecule of iron magnified 150 thousand million times. It was built to last 6 months but is still standing today and finally getting the renovation it deserves. Let’s just hope it keeps that fifties atmosphere inside (light renovations in the eighties already did some damage).

The Town Hall: part of what’s known as one of the most beautiful market squares in the world and a beacon for any tourist visiting the city. It dates from the 15th century and has managed to survive through the centuries including the chaos, known in architectural circles as “brusselisation” that started in the late fifties (I’ll post more on that in the future).