Besides being one of the oldest diamond centers in Europe, Antwerp was also the home of Peter Paul Rubens. Rubens House is nowadays turned into museum, devoted to the life and art of this notable artist. In fact, it was the house Rubens built for himself and his family. Regardless, there are fewer paintings by Rubens, as mostly they are exhibited in the world-known museums. On the contrary, visitors are offered to observe his sketches, simple designs and portraits. In addition, the entire construction might be considered Rubens’ art work, as it was designed and performed under the painter’s guidance, impressed with Italian Renaissance and Baroque styles.
安特卫普不仅是欧洲最古老的钻石中心之一,也是彼得·保罗·鲁本斯(Peter Paul Rubens)的故乡。鲁本斯故居现在已被改造为博物馆,展示这位著名艺术家的生活和艺术。实际上,这座房子是鲁本斯为自己和家人建的,而屋内鲁本斯本人的画作并不多,因为画作大多都被送到知名博物馆展出了。可是,游客们也有机会细细观看他的素描、简单的设计和肖像画。除此之外,此建筑本身就是一个艺术杰作,由鲁本斯亲自设计和监造,深受意大利文艺复兴和巴洛克风格的影响。
15 km away from Brussels travelers might find Gaasbeek castle. This is one of top ten castles in Belgium in all its glory. Notwithstanding it was founded in the 13th century, the modern image has been preserved since the 19th century. It has experienced numerous renovations due to constant battles and fires. All in all, to date one has a chance to observe a gorgeous interior adorned with magnificent collections of Renaissance painters, museum archive abundant in the documents of the 19th-20th century and marvelous gardens around. Recently, Gaasbeek castle became a subject matter of Guerlain Company’s sponsorship. Therefore, regular exhibitions of perfumes are organized there.
出了布鲁塞尔再有15千米就是加斯比克城堡,一座享有比利时十佳城堡之一的荣耀的城堡。尽管建于13世纪,它现在的外观自19世纪以来便没有再变过。在历史上,它因战火洗礼而经过多次修葺。总之,时至今日,游客们有机会入内观赏它流光溢彩的室内设计、文艺复兴时期的杰作,丰富的19到20世纪档案以及周边设计奇妙的花园。近日,加斯比克城堡得到娇兰公司的赞助,因此会有一些定期的香水展出。
The spirit of medieval times might be noticed in historical center of Mechelen. In particular, it is an oval square, surrounded by city walls that were built in the 13th century and partially ruined in the 19th. The main attraction of Mechelen is St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, situated nearby. Its carillon is considered the best one in Europe, so the city livelihood is almost under control of cathedral chime-balls. 49 tollers were casted since 1640.
梅赫伦颇具古风的市中心最引人注目的它的中世纪风情。那是一个椭圆形广场,周边有13世纪建造的围墙环绕,虽然部分围墙曾在19世纪遭到毁坏。梅赫伦最重要的景点就是位于附近圣伯姆特大教堂。教堂的钟声被公认是全欧首屈一指,所以梅赫伦城里的一切的大事小情都是在钟声的指引下慢慢进行。从1640至今,已有49个个钟被使用。