With ten sites on the official UNESCO World Heritage List and sixteen more under consideration, Belgium definitely offers a lot for visitors to explore. Regrettably, we have yet to devote a single article to the small yet exquisite country in northwest Europe. That is, until now.

Belfry of Gembloux

Together with twenty-three medieval siege towers throughout the north of France, the belfry of Gembloux forms a different, if not strange, UNESCO World Heritage Site. A lovely town of just over 20,000 people in the province of Namur, Gembloux is also home to a famous 10th century abbey, now home to the world class Faculté Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques.

Flemish Béguinages

In a display of what makes Belgium, or indeed, Flemish culture so distinct within Europe, the 13th century (and up) Béguinages form a group of lay convents that span modern-day Ghent, Antwerp, Bruges, Diest, Hoogstraten and many other towns. The Grand Béguinage of Leuven is particularly impressive.

Historic Centre of Bruges

The Historic Centre of Bruges (or Brugge in Dutch) is a spectacular example of medieval district preservation. As the former chief commercial city of Europe, each landmark in the beautiful quarter is notable in some significant way.

La Grand-Place, Brussels

The envy of central squares the world over, the late 17th century architecture that lines La Grand-Place evokes the halcyon era of prosperity in both Brussels and Belgium. Still one of the most impressive open urban spaces anywhere on Earth.

Major Town Houses of the Architect Victor Horta (Brussels)

Another combination of several landmarks into one UNESCO World Heritage Site, the works of Victor Horta in Brussels include the Maison & Atelier Horta (now Horta Museum), Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel van Eetvelde and Hôtel Tassel. The architect of the Art Nouveau movement in Europe was a native of Ghent who spent the better part of his career in Brussels. Head to the fabulous museum to learn more about him.

Neolithic Flint Mines at Spiennes (Mons)

For proof of the ingenuity of early humans, head to the village of Spiennes, in the municipality of Mons. Vital technological innovations were made here in the Stone Age, most of which would have a major impact on the course of human prehistory.

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai

Close to 80% of the French Community of Belgium live in the Wallonia region. The capital Namur and city of Liège form two wonderful destinations for visitors to explore. The Notre-Dame Cathedral in Tournai however, is the premier symbol of Wallonia and a rare, intact 12th century precursor to the Gothic school that would so thoroughly dominate cathedral architecture in Europe for the next four hundred years.

Plantin-Moretus House-Workshops-Museum Complex

In what amounts to one of the most curious World Heritage Sites in recent memory, the former Renaissance and Baroque home of historic Plantin Press in Antwerp now serves as a tribute museum to famous printers Christoffel Plantijn and Jan Moretus. The UNESCO landmark is as much about the legacy of the legendary printer-publisher duo as it is about the architectural splendor of the place.

Stoclet House

In a rare move that only just transpired in 2009, UNESCO inscribed a private home onto the World Heritage List. Built by visionary architect Josef Hoffmann between 1905 and 1911 at the behest of wealthy banker and notable art collector Adolph Stoclet, Stoclet House is now seen as a milestone leap between Art Nouveau and Art Deco, not to mention a quintessential example of gesamtkunstwerk, or universal artwork. Incredibly, the Brussels estate is still in the hands of the Stoclet family and not officially open to the public.

The Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre and their Environs, La Louvière and Le Roeulx

Proof yet again that Belgium has some of the most unusual World Heritage Sites on record, four hydraulic boat lifts near the town of La Louvière in the industrial valley of Wallonia mark a distinct bridge between 19th and 20th century design. Though not as pretty as a cathedral, they do make quite the impression. The town of 77,000 people is worth a visit as well.

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Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10