Atomium in Belgium: a description of the Brussels symbol. Other sights of the country

According to some versions, the Atomium in Belgium is on the first positions of the list of unique sights of the planet. This is the basic construction of the modern architecture of the European state. The object was created specifically for the international exposition of EXPO-58 and immediately became not only a symbol of the state, but also an asset of world culture. In addition to Atomium, Belgium can be proud of other sights that are rightfully considered to be the best in the world.

Birth of a grandiose building

Atomium (Belgium) is a monumental sculpture, which is a giant model of an iron crystal. At the same time, it is also a monument to the peaceful atom and the endless power of atomic energy. The height of the object reaches 102 meters, and it represents a grandiose symbol of scientific and technological progress.

The steel construction was erected in the style of surrealism. It is often compared with the Paris Eiffel Tower. Just like the French landmark, Atomium was planned as a temporary structure. He was to be demolished immediately after he played his part: "will take part" in the 1958 world exhibition.

The architects of the project were Andre Vaterkane, Michel and André Polaky. At that time, a futuristic sculpture was to demonstrate the victory of socialism over capitalism. In addition, the Atomium was to become a symbol of the peaceful use of atomic energy. After the end of the exhibition, the design was never dismantled. Today it is perceived only as a cultural and artistic object. The statue has turned into the most striking landmark of Belgium, the architecture of which captivates hundreds of thousands of tourists.

External Description

Atomium in Belgium is constructed from nine spheres. More precisely, they are atoms that are combined into a piece of the crystal lattice of iron, increased by 165 billion times. The total weight of the sculpture reaches 2,400 tons. The initial coating of the object was an aluminum ball. On each sphere there were 720 plates of triangular shape. But in 2006, major repairs were carried out, as a result of which Atomium acquired a shell of steel.

The windows of the corridors and spheres were originally made of organic glass, but later this material was replaced by tempered glass. During the major reconstruction of the facility, it replaced the connecting pipes, elevator and escalators.

Each atom of the Atomium in Belgium is 18 meters in diameter. They are connected by 23-meter pipes. In the middle of these pipes there are connecting corridors and escalators, allowing to travel to tourists. Six of the nine balls are always open to tourists.

What does Atomium offer?

In the uppermost sphere of the main symbol of Brussels there is a restaurant and a panoramic viewing platform. In the depths of the middle connecting pipe hid a high-speed elevator, delivering tourists to the above places for 23 seconds. From the observation platform, the stunning scenery of the Belgian capital and its environs opens.

In the spheres of Atomium, there are many other establishments that delight visitors. One of them is the Thematic Museum. Its exposition narrates about the peaceful atom, about atomic energy, about what achievements were made at different times of its research. This is a permanent exhibition. However, temporary exhibits are regularly arranged here, telling about other achievements of scientific and technical progress.

In addition, there are cafes, cinemas, a souvenir shop, concert halls. There are also rooms in which you are allowed to stay overnight to admire the night metropolis.

Another miracle of Belgium

Atomium is undoubtedly a terrific object. But there are some other places of interest in the country of Belgium, which can easily give odds to the world's largest atom. Such a place is, for example, one of the oldest zoos on Earth - the Antwerp Zoo. It is located in the Belgian city of Antwerp. There live over 770 species of animals, numbering five thousand individuals. Here live giraffes, Indian lions, okapi, Siberian tigers and even pandas.

The Zoo in 1843 established the Royal Zoological Society.

A few more beautiful objects

The main attractions of the country of Belgium are known to all the inhabitants of the planet. Well, who has not heard about the fountain "Manneken Pis," which is the business card of Brussels ?! The Royal Palace, which is called the heart of the capital of Belgium, is also a notorious building.

Being in Brussels, it is necessary to visit the city of Liege, the largest and most ancient settlement in Wallonia. Here are such popular attractions as St. Lambert Square, Perron Fountain and the Museum of Walloon Art.

The city of Modau is another Belgian center, where world famous landmarks are concentrated. Here is the castle of the Counts de Marche, the first mention of which dates back to 1233. It is surrounded by a stunning reserve.

Belgium is a country that is really worth it to see. Here, even the air is not the same as everywhere else.