0-euro notes : 1 d. Belgium : Brussels Koekelberg Basilica

When entering Brussels capital region from the western side, a large avenue runs from the exit of the highway towards the basilica of Koekelberg (Koekelberg is the name of the suburb where the church was built - although it is also on the territory of the suburb Ganshoren).

In 1905, Belgium celebrated the 75th birthday after it's independence. King Leopold II introduces the idea of building a sanctuary similar to the Sacré Coeur in Paris.
The idea was to build a huge church in neo gothic style, similar to lots of buildings in Bruges for example.

1905 design of Koekelberg Basilica

Under the rule of Leopold II, the building of the foundations of the church start. However, the death of the king in 1909 and the beginning of the first world war, brings the building to a stop.
After the war, there is not much money left and the whole project is stopped completely.
In 1926 a new architect, Albert Van Huffel, is asked to re-design the building, as the neo gothic style is considered to be old fashion. It takes till 1970 to complete the whole church in art deco style.
With a length of 164.5 m, it is the largest art deco building in the world, and the 5th longest church in the world.
In 1951 the curch was inaugurated and one year later 'upgraded' to 'basilica minor' by Pope Pius XII.

0 euro note Koekelberg Basilica - Brussels - 2018-1

Koekelberg Basilica Brussels

The note can be purchased inside the church, next to the elevator to the balcony.
From the balcony (52.8m), you have a superb view on Brussels and the surrounding area.

0-euro notes : 1 c. Belgium : Bruges

Next 0-euro note I present you, is dedicated to the most visited city in the world (compared to its inhabitants - not in absolute numbers).
Bruges has a history that dates back to the 9th century. The origine of the name has nothing to do with bridges, although there are lots of bridges in the city.
More likely it is a combination of two words : the Celtic name for the river : Roggia / Ryggia (holy water) and the old Nordic name Bryggja (quay / landing stage).

Bruges was at its best in the 15th century when the Dukes of Burgundy changed their residence from Dijon in France to the centre of Bruges.

hotel Dukes' Palace 5* - Bruges

Now, part of the former residence of the dukes is 5 -star hotel. The only 5-star hotel in Flanders (Dutch speaking part of Belgium).

A 0-euro note was issued in 2018, depicting the most photographed place in Bruges.

0-euro note "Historic centre of Bruges" 2018-1

Rozenhoedkaai Bruges - the most photographed spot

In the middle of the picture, we see house with two equal facades. This is the hotel 'relais Bourgondisch Cruyse'. It is the hotel where Colin Farrell stayed in the movie 'in Bruges'.
A dark comedy about 2 criminals hiding in the medieval city. In the movie, Collin jumps out of the window into a passing tourist boat.

Relais Bourgondisch Cruyse - Bruges

screenshot from the movie 'In Bruges'

On the front side of this hotel, in a street named 'Wollestraat', we find the Bruges' beer wall.
An amazing wall, displaying several hundreds of Belgian beers (bottle + glass).
This 'beer wall' issued a 0-euro note as well, with more or less the same image as the note above.
We see a bit more of the terrace of the beerwall (next to the hotel just mentionned), and an additional picture of a part of the beer wall.

0-euro beer wall note - 2019-1

Bruges' Beer Wall (part)

At the entrance of the Beer Wall, you'll find a vending machine for the beer wall note.
Meanwhile, enjoy a Belgian beer on the superb terrace too.

to be continued...

The world of Mujand (fantasy notes) - 03 e Amotekunia (Lothandizia)

In the heart of the Lothandizia continent, we find Amotekunia.

Amotekunia in Lothandizia

Although this is a large territory, only 2 notes were issued: 50 and 100 Nemaz.
The currency is the 'Nemaz', which happens to mean 'nothing at all' in Latvian.
The notes are dedicated to the birds (one side) and the bees (other side).

front side of 50 Nemaz

reverse side of 50 Nemaz

front side of 100 Nemaz

reverse side of 100 Nemaz

The notes have numbers 81 and 83 - which means they were issued in 2 separate moments.
Under the text 'Amotekunia Banka' we see : 'Naudas Zíme' (money note) and in the upper left corner on the front : 'Retáká valúta' (strange currency).

On the right side of the front, we find the text : "Latvijas valdiba augstu vérté so valútu, un tá tas ir".
This means that the Latvian Govermnent values this currency highly, and so it is.

Above the signatures, we read (in Latvian) : Galvenais kasieris (Chief Cashier) and Banka Prezidents (Bank's president).

more to follow...

The world of Mujand (fantasy notes) - 03 d Sima Senco (Lothandizia)

A new country on Lothandizia, which I present today is Sima Senco.
Although it doesn't mean anything, Sima Senco sounds Italian.
The currency on Sima Senco is 'Senza', which is Italian for 'without'

Sima Senco map

The 'country' of Sima Senco has dedicated its notes to Art and Science of Sima Senco.

Dedicated to the Art and Science of Sima Senco (it)

There are many Italian references on the notes :

detail 100 Senza

Pagabili a vista al portetore (it) : payable on demand to the bearer

Tessoreria dello stato autorita rilasciante (it) : state treasury issuing authority

There are - only - 4 notes in this set (nrs : 068 - 071) Serie K (2016).

20 and 50 Senza

20 and 50 Senza (front)

20 and 50 Senza (back)

100 and 500 Senza

100 and 500 Senza (front)

100 and 500 Senza (back)

Some details on the notes, dedicated to Art and Science :

microphone

the 'nerve weakner'

the Circandian stabilizer

the matter destabilisator

to be continued ...