Parc Leopold (Leopold Park), Brussels

Nestled at the heart of the European Quarter, adjacent to the Paul-Henri Spaak building, which houses the European Parliament, this picturesque landscape with rolling hills, covering 10 hectares (25 acres) and surrounding a serene lake, has replaced the former Royal Zoological Gardens that once occupied the site. The park was established in 1880 and initially served as the backdrop for the Solvay School of Commerce campus buildings.

While the school desired to expand its campus with additional structures, concerns arose from the public that such expansion might encroach too much on the park, diminishing the enjoyment of its visitors. The original campus buildings still stand within the park, with only one of them remaining under the ownership of the school: the impressive Solvay Library ("Bibliothèque Solvay"), a magnificent barrel-vaulted edifice adorned with splendid mahogany paneling.

The park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a lush and tranquil escape from the bustling city of Brussels. Visitors can explore the remnants of the medieval Eggevoort tower, and the lake itself, one of the last remaining in the entire Maalbek Valley, serves as a prominent focal point. The park is also home to several bird species, including coots, mallards, geese, parakeets, and moorhens. Admission is free, and there is a play area that is particularly enjoyed by young visitors.