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Based in Belgium

An American exploring art and history from the heart of Europe
 
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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,...

An expedition into Limburg’s mining past

April 18, 2012Art & Architecture, Historic Sites, Limburg Genk
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Old Mining Equipment

A list of the top tourist destinations in Belgium includes Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent… and Genk? Perhaps not yet, but Genk aims to become a top draw for Limburg province and even Flanders. One of the main attractions for visitors to Genk is C-Mine, the business and recreation complex created on the site…

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Read between the lines

March 12, 2012Art & Architecture, Limburg public art
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In a green field in Haspengouw, on a rise overlooking a rolling landscape, there’s a small semi-transparent chapel. It seems transparent because it’s made of horizontal lines that seem to float, stacked on top of each other with nothing but air holding them apart. It’s only when you get close,…

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A chivalric order’s ancient headquarters

February 15, 2012Historic Sites, Limburg, Parks & Gardens castles, gardens
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A brotherhood of knights, sworn to defend the Holy Land and dedicated to caring for the poor. A powerful military order with strongholds throughout Europe, ruled by a Grand Master. A wealthy organization within the Catholic Church, entrusted with lands belonging to the Holy Roman Empire. If this sounds like…

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Six hundred years of powerful women

February 7, 2012Historic Sites, Limburg, Parks & Gardens Hasselt
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Herkenrode Abbey

If you’ve ever driven past Hasselt on the highway linking Luik and Antwerp, you might have noticed a group of stately brick buildings with an imposing gatehouse and ornate corner tower on the outskirts of town. Whizzing by at 120 kilometers an hour, you might not have realized that you’d…

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Where is Belgium, anyway?

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    • Top 10 things to do in Hasselt
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    • First-time visitor’s guide to Hasselt
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