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Belgium: Bruges and Brussels

Season 3 Episode 307 | 26m 03s

Belgium is a land of contrasts. From the powerhouse headquarters of the European Union and Europe's grandest square in big-city Brussels, we go quaint with delicate lace and back lane bike rides in small-town Bruges. We check into a medieval hospital, savor the exquisite art of Memling, and climb a bell tower to get up close and fortissimo at a carillon concert.

Aired: 09/03/04
Distributed nationally by American Public Television
Extras
Join Rick Steves on an alpine adventure -- from Italy to Austria to Switzerland to France.
Join Rick Steves and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra on a spectacular musical journey through Europe.
Join Rick Steves for a "best of Poland" special featuring Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk and more.
With Europe as our classroom, Rick shares the essential skills for smart, smooth travel.
Rome’s Altar of Peace and the Trophy of the Alps are fine examples of art as propaganda.
Michelangelo sculpted “David,” painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, and designed St. Peter’s.
Raphael’s sweet Madonnas set a new standard in High Renaissance painting.
Gothic church design is best illustrated by building one with 13 travelers.
Flemish paintings were happy slice-of-life scenes, feel-good, and affordable.
Oil paints freed artists like Jan van Eyck, Raphael, and Leonardo to raise the bar.
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From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.
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