La Grand-Place, Brussels
Brüssel, Belgium
21.10.2010
The Grand-Place in Brussels, Belgium, is an extraordinary urban ensemble and a testament to the civic pride and architectural prowess of the late 17th century. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998, it stands as one of Europe's most beautiful squares, renowned for its opulent and homogeneous collection of buildings.
A Glimpse into History
The origins of the Grand-Place date back to the 11th century when it began as a market area, strategically located near the port and the first commercial settlements along the River Senne. Over centuries, it evolved into the political and commercial heart of Brussels. This vibrant marketplace was the stage for important civic events, public executions, and grand festivities. The square gradually took its rectangular shape, framed by the nascent Town Hall and guild houses.
Destruction and Resurgence
A pivotal moment in the square's history occurred in August 1695, during the Nine Years' War. French troops, led by Marshal François de Neufville, duc de Villeroy, bombarded Brussels in an attempt to draw the troops of the Grand Alliance away from the siege of Namur. The devastating three-day shelling largely destroyed the medieval Grand-Place, reducing most of its buildings, including the King's House, to rubble. Miraculously, the stone structure of the Town Hall survived, though not unscathed.
Following this catastrophe, the city council and the city’s guilds embarked on a remarkable reconstruction effort. Within five years, the Grand-Place was rebuilt, not merely restored, but reimagined as an even grander and more harmonious ensemble. Each guild house was meticulously rebuilt, adhering to an agreed-upon aesthetic code, yet retaining individual stylistic flair. This rapid and unified reconstruction is considered a magnificent example of cooperative civic enterprise and reflects the vitality of Brussels' merchant class.
Architectural Masterpieces
Dominating the square is the magnificent Gothic Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville), a masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic architecture, completed in the 15th century. Its slender, elegant bell tower, crowned by a statue of Saint Michael slaying a dragon, soars above the surrounding buildings. Opposite the Town Hall stands the King's House (Maison du Roi in French, or Broodhuis in Dutch), a neo-Gothic structure rebuilt in the 19th century on the site of the former Bread House, which had also served as the Duke of Brabant's administrative center. The other sides of the square are lined with the exquisitely decorated Guildhouses, each telling a story through its Baroque facades, gilded statues, and intricate ornamentation, representing the wealth and influence of the butchers, bakers, brewers, carpenters, and other guilds.
Today, the Grand-Place continues to be a vibrant public space, hosting events like the famous Flower Carpet (Tapis de fleurs) and Christmas markets, drawing visitors from across the globe to admire its unparalleled beauty and soak in its rich history.
Further Links
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, pronounced [ɡʁɑ̃ plas]; "Grand Square"; also used in English) or Grote Markt (Dutch, pronounced [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, housing 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 Town Hall's façade and tower, which served as a target for the artillery, as well as 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.
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 - Grand-Place/Beurs - Grote Markt (on lines 4 and 10), as well as the bus stop Grand-Place/Grote Markt (on lines 33, 48 and 95).
