La Grand-Place, Brussels
Brüssel, Belgium
21.10.2010
The Grand-Place in Brussels, Belgium: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Grand-Place (or Grote Markt in Dutch) is the central square of Brussels, the capital city of Belgium. It is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. The Grand-Place is a symbol of the city's history, culture, and architecture, and is a must-see for visitors to Brussels.
The history of the Grand-Place dates back to the 11th century when it was a marketplace for traders in the city. Over the centuries, it became the center of political and social life in Brussels, with important events such as executions and festivities taking place here. The square was also home to the city's guilds, which were organizations that controlled the trade of various goods and services.
One of the most iconic buildings in the Grand-Place is the Town Hall, a magnificent Gothic structure that dominates the square. It was built in the 15th century and is adorned with statues, spires, and intricately carved details. The Town Hall is still used as a government building and is open to the public for guided tours.
Another notable building in the Grand-Place is the Maison du Roi (King's House), which now houses the Museum of the City of Brussels. It was originally the residence of the Duke of Brabant, but was later used as a market hall and a city hall. The museum displays artifacts and artworks that tell the story of Brussels and its people.
The Grand-Place is also known for its guildhalls, which line the square and showcase various architectural styles such as Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance. These buildings were owned by the different guilds and served as meeting places, offices, and warehouses.
Today, the Grand-Place is a bustling tourist destination with numerous cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It is also a venue for concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year. The square is particularly enchanting during the biennial Flower Carpet event, where the entire square is covered in a colorful carpet made of begonias.
Visitors to the Grand-Place can also explore the surrounding area, which is full of historic landmarks such as the Manneken Pis (a famous statue of a urinating boy) and the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert (a stunning shopping arcade). The square is also a great starting point for a walking tour of the city, with many notable attractions within walking distance.
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or simply want to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Brussels, the Grand-Place is a must-visit destination. It is a testament to the city's rich heritage and a true gem of European culture.
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La Grand-Place in Brussels is a remarkably homogeneous body of public and private buildings, dating mainly from the late 17th century. The architecture provides a vivid illustration of the level of social and cultural life of the period in this important political and commercial centre.
The Grand-Place (French: [ɡʁɑ̃ plas]; "Grand Square"; also used in English) or Grote Markt (Dutch: [ˌɣroːtə ˈmɑr(ə)kt] ; "Big Market") is the central square of Brussels, Belgium. It is surrounded by opulent Baroque guildhalls of the former Guilds of Brussels and two larger edifices; the city's Flamboyant Town Hall, and the neo-Gothic King's House or Bread House building, containing the Brussels City Museum. The square measures 68 by 110 metres (223 by 361 ft) and is entirely paved.
The Grand-Place's construction began in the 11th century and was largely complete by the 17th. In 1695, during the Nine Years' War, most of the square was destroyed during the bombardment of Brussels by French troops. Only the façade and the tower of the Town Hall, which served as a target for the artillery, and some stone walls resisted the incendiary balls. The houses that surrounded the Grand-Place were rebuilt during subsequent years, giving the square its current appearance, though they were frequently modified in the following centuries. From the mid-19th century, the square's heritage value was rediscovered, and it was thoroughly renovated.
Nowadays, the Grand-Place is the most important tourist destination and most memorable landmark in Brussels. It is also considered one of the world's most beautiful squares, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. The square frequently hosts festive and cultural events, among them, in August of every even year, the installation of an immense flower carpet in its centre. It is also a centre of annual celebrations during the Christmas and New Year period, and a Christmas tree has been erected annually on the square since the mid-20th century.
This site is served by the premetro (underground tram) station Bourse/Beurs (on lines 3 and 4), as well as the bus stop Grand-Place/Grote Markt (on line 95).
