According to some versions, the Atomium in Belgium is at the top of the list of unique sights of the planet. This is the main structure 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 the property of world culture. In addition to the Atomium, Belgium can be proud of its other attractions, which are rightfully considered the best in the world.
Birth of a grand structure
Atomium (Belgium) is a monumental sculpture that is a giant iron crystal model. At the same time, it is also a monument to the peaceful atom and the infinite power of atomic energy. The height of the object reaches 102 meters, and it is a grandiose symbol of scientific and technological progress.
Steel structure erected in surrealist style. It is often compared to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Just like the French landmark, the Atomium was planned as a temporary structure. It should have beendemolished immediately after he plays his part: "participates" in the 1958 World's Fair.
The architects of the project were Andre Waterkeyn, Michel and Andre Polaki. At that time, the futuristic statue was supposed 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 exposure, the structure was not dismantled. Today it is perceived exclusively as a cultural and artistic object. The statue has become the most striking landmark of Belgium, the architecture of which fascinates hundreds of thousands of tourists.
External description
The Atomium in Belgium is built from nine spheres. More precisely, these are atoms that have been combined into a piece of the iron crystal lattice, enlarged 165 billion times. The total weight of the sculpture reaches 2400 tons. The object's original coating was a ball of aluminum. Each sphere had 720 triangular plates. But in 2006, a major overhaul was carried out, as a result of which the Atomium acquired a steel shell.
The windows of the corridors and spheres were originally made of organic glass, but this material was later changed to tempered glass. During the overhaul of the facility, connecting pipes, an elevator and escalators were changed.
Each of the atoms 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, allowingmove tourists. Six of the nine balloons are always open to tourists.
What does the Atomium offer?
In the uppermost sphere of the main symbol of Brussels, there is a restaurant and a panoramic observation deck. A high-speed elevator hid in the depths of the middle connecting pipe, delivering tourists to the above places for 23 seconds. The observation deck offers stunning landscapes of the Belgian capital and its environs.
There are many other establishments in the Atomium realms that delight visitors. One of them is a thematic museum. Its exposition tells 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 exhibitions are regularly arranged here, telling about other achievements of scientific and technological progress.
In addition, there are cafes, cinemas, a souvenir shop, concert halls. There are also rooms where you can stay overnight to enjoy the metropolis at night.
Another wonder of Belgium
The Atomium is undoubtedly an amazing object. But there are some other sights of the country of Belgium, which can easily give odds to the world's largest atom. Such a place is, for example, one of the most ancient zoos on Earth - the Antwerp Zoo. It is located in the Belgian city of Antwerp. Over 770 species of animals, numbering five thousand individuals, live there. Giraffes, Indian lions, okapis live here,Siberian tigers and even pandas.
The zoo was established by the Royal Zoological Society in 1843.
Some more beautiful objects
The main attractions of the country of Belgium are known to all the inhabitants of the planet. Well, who hasn't heard about the Manneken Pis fountain, which is the hallmark of Brussels?! The Royal Palace, which is called the heart of the Belgian capital, is also a notorious building.
Being in Brussels, you should definitely visit the city of Liege - the largest and most ancient settlement of Wallonia. Popular attractions here include Saint Lambert's Square, the Perron Fountain and the Museum of Walloon Art.
The city of Modave is another Belgian center where world-famous sights are concentrated. Here is the castle of the Comtes de Marchais, the first mention of which dates back to 1233. Adjacent to it is a stunning nature reserve.
Belgium is a country that is truly worth seeing. Here even the air is not the same as everywhere else.
