# Brussels > largest city of Belgium **Wikidata**: [Q111901161](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q111901161) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brussels ## Summary Brussels is the largest city of Belgium, serving as its capital and political center. Founded in 979, it has been a key administrative hub for centuries, hosting institutions like the European Union and Euronext Brussels. The city is also renowned for its cultural contributions, including Brussels sprouts, Brussels lace, and the Brussels waffle. ## Key Facts - **Largest city of Belgium**: Brussels is the capital and most populous city of Belgium. - **Founded in 979**: The city was established as a strategic administrative center. - **Hosts key EU institutions**: Brussels is home to the European Union, Euronext Brussels, and the European Commission. - **Cultural contributions**: Brussels is famous for Brussels sprouts, Brussels lace, and the Brussels waffle. - **Historical significance**: The city has been a center of power for centuries, with notable events including the Bombardment of Brussels in 1695 and 1943. - **Headquarters for numerous organizations**: Over 30 organizations, including Elia, CORDIS, and the European Digital Rights, have their headquarters in Brussels. - **Aliases**: Known as BXL, Comic Strip Capital, Capital of Europe, and Washington d'Europe. - **Timezone**: UTC+01:00. - **Coordinates**: Located at 50.84668° N, 4.3525° E. - **Historical regions**: Once part of the Duchy of Brabant and the Calvinist Republic of Brussels. ## FAQs - **What makes Brussels unique compared to other European capitals?** Brussels stands out as a global hub for EU institutions, hosting the European Union, Euronext Brussels, and the European Commission. Its strategic location and rich cultural heritage, including Brussels sprouts and Brussels lace, also set it apart. - **What are some notable cultural contributions from Brussels?** Brussels is renowned for its culinary contributions, including the Brussels waffle and Brussels sprouts, as well as its historical and artistic contributions, such as Brussels lace and the work of artists like Hautrive. - **What organizations have their headquarters in Brussels?** Over 30 organizations, including Elia, CORDIS, the European Digital Rights, and the European Society of Cardiology, have their headquarters in Brussels. The city also serves as the administrative center for Belgium. - **What is the significance of Brussels in the EU?** Brussels is the political and administrative heart of the European Union, hosting key institutions such as the European Commission, Euronext Brussels, and the European Parliament. Its role as the capital of Belgium and the EU makes it a central location for international governance. - **What historical events have shaped Brussels?** Brussels has been shaped by significant historical events, including the Bombardment of Brussels in 1695 and 1943, as well as its role as a center of power for centuries. The city's historical regions, such as the Duchy of Brabant and the Calvinist Republic of Brussels, reflect its rich past. ## Why It Matters Brussels is of significant importance as the largest city of Belgium and a key political and economic center in Europe. It serves as the administrative hub for the European Union, hosting institutions such as the European Commission, Euronext Brussels, and the European Parliament. The city's strategic location and rich cultural heritage make it a global hub for international governance, trade, and culture. Brussels' contributions to food, art, and history have also made it a culturally significant city, further enhancing its global influence. ## Notable For - **Hosting key EU institutions**: Brussels is home to the European Union, Euronext Brussels, and the European Commission, making it a central location for international governance. - **Cultural contributions**: Brussels is renowned for its culinary contributions, including the Brussels waffle and Brussels sprouts, as well as its historical and artistic contributions, such as Brussels lace and the work of artists like Hautrive. - **Historical significance**: The city has been a center of power for centuries, with notable events including the Bombardment of Brussels in 1695 and 1943. - **Headquarters for numerous organizations**: Over 30 organizations, including Elia, CORDIS, and the European Digital Rights, have their headquarters in Brussels. - **Aliases**: Known as BXL, Comic Strip Capital, Capital of Europe, and Washington d'Europe, reflecting its global influence and cultural significance. ## Body ### History Brussels was founded in 979 and has been a key administrative hub for centuries. The city has been shaped by significant historical events, including the Bombardment of Brussels in 1695 and 1943. Its historical regions, such as the Duchy of Brabant and the Calvinist Republic of Brussels, reflect its rich past. Brussels has also been a center of power for centuries, with notable events including the Bombardment of Brussels in 1695 and 1943. ### Geography Brussels is located at 50.84668° N, 4.3525° E, in the heart of Belgium. The city is known for its strategic location and rich cultural heritage, making it a global hub for international governance, trade, and culture. ### Culture Brussels is renowned for its culinary contributions, including the Brussels waffle and Brussels sprouts, as well as its historical and artistic contributions, such as Brussels lace and the work of artists like Hautrive. The city's cultural contributions have made it a globally significant city, further enhancing its global influence. ### Economy Brussels serves as the administrative hub for the European Union, hosting institutions such as the European Commission, Euronext Brussels, and the European Parliament. The city's strategic location and rich cultural heritage make it a global hub for international governance, trade, and culture. Over 30 organizations, including Elia, CORDIS, and the European Digital Rights, have their headquarters in Brussels. ### Organizations Brussels is home to numerous organizations, including Elia, CORDIS, the European Digital Rights, and the European Society of Cardiology. The city also serves as the administrative center for Belgium, hosting key institutions such as the European Union, Euronext Brussels, and the European Commission. Over 30 organizations have their headquarters in Brussels, making it a central location for international governance, trade, and culture. ### Cultural Contributions Brussels is renowned for its culinary contributions, including the Brussels waffle and Brussels sprouts, as well as its historical and artistic contributions, such as Brussels lace and the work of artists like Hautrive. The city's cultural contributions have made it a globally significant city, further enhancing its global influence. ### Historical Events Brussels has been shaped by significant historical events, including the Bombardment of Brussels in 1695 and 1943. The city's historical regions, such as the Duchy of Brabant and the Calvinist Republic of Brussels, reflect its rich past. Notable events include the Bombardment of Brussels in 1695 and 1943, as well as its role as a center of power for centuries. ### Notable Organizations Over 30 organizations have their headquarters in Brussels, including Elia, CORDIS, the European Digital Rights, and the European Society of Cardiology. The city also serves as the administrative center for Belgium, hosting key institutions such as the European Union, Euronext Brussels, and the European Commission. Notable organizations include Elia, CORDIS, the European Digital Rights, and the European Society of Cardiology. ### Cultural Significance Brussels is renowned for its culinary contributions, including the Brussels waffle and Brussels sprouts, as well as its historical and artistic contributions, such as Brussels lace and the work of artists like Hautrive. The city's cultural contributions have made it a globally significant city, further enhancing its global influence. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Enciclopedia Treccani 3. YSA - General Finnish Thesaurus 4. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands 5. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/421bf616-a1f8-4957-b74f-dc5de9bb9ef3) 6. [Best Brussels Posts - Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/t/brussels/)