Facebook Twitter Instagram
  • Private Tours
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Contact
Facebook Twitter Instagram

Based in Belgium

An American exploring art and history from the heart of Europe
 
Skip to content
  • Private Tours
    • Brussels
    • Antwerp
    • Ghent
    • Bruges
    • Limburg
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Contact

Scintillating Surfaces

In the fifteenth century, Flemish masters took oil painting to new artistic heights. Never before had colors been so vibrant, textures so tangible, or the depicted world so believable.
Read more

A New Aesthetic

At the end of the nineteenth century, Belgian architect Victor Horta transformed architecture, designing the first Art Nouveau houses for rich industrialists. Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp are especially rich in Art Nouveau buildings.
Read more

Baroque Splendor

The Grand'Place in Brussels is a stunning example of Baroque magnificence with its ornate 17th-century guild houses. This was the period of Rubens, the most successful painter of his time, and of the Counter-Reformation.
Read more

Burgundian Treasures

The powerful Dukes of Burgundy ruled over much of what is now Belgium for over a hundred years, building fabulous palaces and reaping the riches of these prosperous lands.
Read more

Welcome to Belgium!

If you love art, architecture and history, as I do, then you've come to the right place. Belgium, although a small country, is packed with beautiful sights, from Gothic cathedrals and ancient abbeys to grand squares and Baroque palaces, from charming villages and scenic landscapes to bustling cities and serene waterways. It's often overshadowed by its bigger, more famous neighbors, but one of the joys of visiting Belgium is discovering what seems to be Europe's best-kept secret. Join me as I explore my adopted home and marvel at its rich cultural heritage. And don't forget to enjoy the chocolate and beer while you're here!

Tours for Art Lovers and History Buffs

 

Private Tours

All of my tours are made-to-order, meaning each one is individually tailored to suit you and your interests. The itinerary will change depending on the season, the weather, opening hours...
 

Brussels

Welcome to the unofficial capital of Europe. As the home of the EU, Brussels has the reputation of being a city of bureaucrats and functionaries, but this historic city will surprise you with...
 

Antwerp

Antwerp has something for everyone–a rich artistic heritage, cutting-edge fashion designers, world-class restaurants, stunning architecture and a proud history as a vibrant international port. Antwerp’s star attraction is the Rubens...
 

Ghent

Ghent is usually overshadowed by its more famous neighbor to the north, Bruges. But ask any native, and they’ll probably tell you that they prefer Ghent to Bruges. In fact,...

A winter walk in Aubel

February 23, 2013Beer & Breweries, Historic Sites breweries, hiking, Wallonia
0
Val-Dieu Abbey

I recently learned that there’s an abbey brewery just to the south of Hasselt. I was surprised that I’d never heard of it before, since it’s only three-quarters of an hour’s drive from here. But I’ve found that’s a peculiarity of life in Belgium: Here in Flanders, we hear relatively…

Continue reading

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr

Cycling in harvest season

September 28, 2012Cycling, Limburg cycling, Haspengouw
0

My home city of Hasselt lies in the region of Haspengouw, known for its orchards and fruit products–not just fresh apples and pears but also fruit juice and fruit syrup. In the spring, the trees are covered with delicate pink and white blossoms, drawing visitors who flock here to hike…

Continue reading

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr

Shine them balls!

June 30, 2012Art & Architecture, Historic Sites Brussels
0

If you’ve ever been to Brussels, you’ve probably seen the Atomium. If not up close, then perhaps from afar. It’s hard to miss: A giant steel construction (is it a building? a huge sculpture?) modeled on an iron atom, built for the 1958 World Expo. It’s big and shiny, and…

Continue reading

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr

Three breweries worth a visit

May 23, 2012Beer & Breweries, Limburg beer, breweries
0

Limburg has its share of famous breweries, including Achel, one of the seven Trappists, and Cristal Alken, whose pils is found in every café and backyard barbecue in the area. But it’s also home to several innovative craft brewers, who combine a love of beer with a shrewd knack for…

Continue reading

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
«‹3456›

Where is Belgium, anyway?

  • SITE MAP

    • About Me
    • Blog
    • Contact
    • Private Tours
      • Antwerp
      • Bruges
      • Brussels
      • Ghent
      • Limburg
  • Recent Posts

    • Top 10 things to do in Hasselt
    • A new museum of European history in Brussels
    • First-time visitor’s guide to Hasselt
    • Antwerp’s city hall turns 450
    • A new chapter for Herkenrode Abbey
    • Antwerp’s architectural wonderland
    • WWII memorial site in Vroenhoven
    • Belgium finally gets a beer museum
  • Like Based in Belgium on Facebook

    Like Based in Belgium on Facebook
  • Search this site

  • Private Tours
  • Blog
  • About Me
  • Contact
© 2012-2015 Diana Goodwin. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by Nirvana & WordPress.
Facebook Twitter Instagram