Tervuren Park Walk: A Historical Audio Walking Tour
Discover the hidden history of Tervuren Park on this self-guided VoiceMap walking tour
History
Belgium’s rich and complex history is intricately woven into the fabric of Europe. From its medieval origins as a trading hub to its role in major conflicts like World War I and II, Belgium has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the formation of independent states, and the development of a distinctive cultural identity. Historical landmarks, such as medieval castles and World War I memorials, dot the landscape, offering glimpses into the nation’s past. Here are numerous stories describing various aspects of Belgium’s history.
The Story of Flax: Ten thousand years of Fields and fibre
Humans have been cultivating flax for at least ten thousand years
Coticule: The stone that sharpened the world
Discover the 480-million year history of coticule, the world’s finest whetstone.
Val Saint-Lambert Crystal: Two centuries of brilliance
How and where to discover the brilliance of Belgium’s famous crystal artistry
The Belgian lace industry: Its rise and fall
The story of Belgian lace, from its glittering origins to its industrial undoing
The Beguines of Belgium: A Forgotten Story of Freedom and Faith
Discover how these independent medieval women created a unique way of life
Belgium and India: A Three-Century Story of Trade, Science, and Crystal
From Flemish merchants and Jesuit scientists to crystal chandeliers and trade partnerships.
William Tyndale: Life, Legacy, and Belgian Connections
Discover the life and work of this translator of the English Bible
The Story of Vespa Production in Belgium, 1955-1962
Thousands of Vespa scooters were assembled in Brussels during the 1950s and 60s
My Father’s Belgian World War II Experiences
Jack Gaioni reconstructs his father’s World War II experiences in Belgium
Belgian Jenever & Hasselt Jenever Festival, Oct 17-18, 2026
The story of Belgian jenever: what it is, where it comes from, and why it matters.
The Boerenkrijg: When Hasselt Became the Final Battleground of Belgium’s Peasants’ War
Read about the peasant revolt in 1798 against the French Republican occupiers of the Southern Netherlands
Exploring the story of a Belgian Refugee in Cornwall, UK
A hidden gravestone reveals a fascinating if tragic story
Fort Eben-Emael: Belgium’s “Impregnable” Fortress That Fell in a Day
The largest fortress of its time and the site of a daring German glider assault in 1940.
Towns Actually Named Belgium in the USA
Scattered across the Midwest are three communities called Belgium.
Belgian Place Names in the USA: Brussels, Ghent and Many More
Belgium’s footprint in America is etched into the map.