Jan Cox (1919 The Hague – 1980 Antwerp) played a significant part in the transition from the closed, relatively provincial world of art of the 1930′s to the open, internationalist art scene of post-World War II.

DIAMOND DIVAS, an exhibition organised by the Antwerp World Diamond Centre, featuring in starring roles the enchanted and enchanting diamond jewellery that was once worn by famous (Hollywood) actresses and other celebrities.

French-English author Marie Louise de la Ramée (1839-1908), alias Ouida, wrote the children’s book ‘A Dog of Flanders’ after visiting Antwerp in 1871. It is the story of a boy called Nello and his faithful dog Patrasche. Nello and Patrasche lived in Hoboken (now suburb of Antwerp). They traveled into Antwerp every day with their milk cart and it was there in the Cathedral of Our Lady that they met their dramatic end.

The book found its way to Japan and Korea, where it was translated and is still a best-seller today. Many Japanese and Korean children have read the tragic tale of Nello and Patrasche and through it have discovered Antwerp and Rubens.

There is a statue of Nello and Patrasche in the district of Hoboken at the height of the Infoshop (Kapelstraat 3). Both figures have also been immortalized in a bench; you can find this work of art in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady, in Handschoenmarkt.

The Citadel of Namur served as a strategic bastion, attracting wave upon wave of attacks and experiencing an equally determined series of reconstructions and reinforcements. The most famous of these contests occurred in the late 17th century, during the War of the Grand Alliance.

Foreign, International, a bit French…these are words which Maastricht’s guests often use to describe the city’s characteristic atmosphere. Centuries of influence from the south and the tradition of cultural exchange in this land without borders have given Maastricht an international imprint.

Rotterdam is one of the few thoroughly modern cities in Holland and the greatest scientific center in Europe with the Rotterdam Erasmus University leading pace in many research areas. Located on the Maas River, it is the world’s second largest port and the first largest commercial harbor in Europe. There is an abundance of attractions, festivals and museums. Rotterdam has a swinging, young city culture.

The image of Amsterdam is the one of its historic city centers, with the canals and the magnificent patrician houses with their famous gables. The best way to take in all that beauty and history is from a boat on the canals of Amsterdam. Exploring the maze of canals in the old city center on a comfortable round-trip boat is an absolute must when visiting Amsterdam.

The city of Liege in the southern French-speaking part of Belgium has a character of its own — la “cite Ardente”, the hot-blooded city. Whoever coined the words, no one passing through Liege can ever doubt the sheer perfection of the phrase.

The Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world and it is one of Antwerp’s most popular attractions. With an animal population of over 5,000 and more than 950 different species, it attracts over one million visitors each year. The Royal Society of Zoology was founded in 1843. It acquired 4 acres of land well outside the Spanish walls, next to the East Station. In 1904, the small East Station of Antwerp was replaced by the current Central Station. The new Antwerp Zoo