I had seen this image countless times on the internet, but it wasn't that long ago when I found out where it was located. And it turned out, I was going to visit that exact city soon!
I wasn't expecting the size of the structure as I got closer, though... it's absolutely huge!
The Atomium is a structure that represents the magnification of an iron atom, and was built in Brussels for an international fair, ending up becoming a touristic attraction. It's a short subway ride from the city centre, and as you approach you can immediatly see the amazing size of it.
For what I learned, it is over 100 meters high, and you can go up to one of the highest spheres, and be presented with a panoramic view of Brussels. The queue was huge when I got there, so I gladly discarded going up. Admiring the structure from the outside was fun enough, and the symmetry and spheric shapes were perfect for a monomad challenge.
No wonder the photos are all over the place: this structure is so photogenic! As you could stand below it, it was so fun to see how symmetric were the spheres and the metal tubes connecting them.
I spend some time walking around the Atomium, seeing the structure from different angles; I can imagine that for any architecture fan, this place is a must see. And although I prefer nature-made to man-made structures, even for me it's impossible not to admire this work of art. The shape alone would be enough, but the sheer size just adds another layer of awesomeness.
Metal and symmetry in a perfect balance. If you happen to visit Belgium and pass by its capital, this is one of the visits I would recommend. Would have loved to go up and see the city from above, but who knows, next time I visit!
