Brabant
Brabant is a historical and geographical region located in the Low Countries of Europe, divided today between Belgium and the Netherlands. It was originally the core territory of the medieval Duchy of Brabant, and it continues to carry cultural and historical significance.
History
changeBrabant originated as a medieval pagus (district) in the Carolingian Empire, centered around the modern Belgian cities of Brussels and Leuven. By the 12th century, it became the Landgraviate of Brabant, and in 1183 it was elevated to the Duchy of Brabant within the Holy Roman Empire. The duchy expanded in influence during the Middle Ages and became a prominent territory in the Low Countries.
The northern part of the duchy was ceded to the Dutch Republic in the 17th century and became known as Staats-Brabant. The southern part remained within the Spanish, later Austrian Netherlands, before becoming part of modern Belgium in 1830.
Modern Divisions
changeFollowing administrative reforms, the historical province of Brabant was split in 1995 into three modern regions:
- Flemish Brabant, part of Flanders in Belgium.
- Walloon Brabant, part of Wallonia in Belgium.
- The Brussels-Capital Region, a bilingual area that serves as the capital of Belgium.
In the Netherlands, the province of North Brabant corresponds to the northern part of the historical duchy.
Notable Landmarks
changeThe region of Brabant is known for its rich architectural and cultural heritage, including:
- The Grand Place in Brussels.
- The Gothic-style St. Peter's Church, Leuven.
- Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mauritius.