Grand Place Square

The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and its most popular tourist attraction. No excursions in the capital of Belgium go without this significant site.

The earliest mention of the Grand Place dates back to the 12th century. It has been developing and building up for hundreds of years. In 1695, the square and the surrounding structures suffered from the French attack. Despite this sad event, it managed to preserve its historical appearance: citizens restored the destroyed buildings over three centuries ago. Since then, the great architectural heritage of Brussels has overlooked the ancient cobblestone Grand Place. It embodies different historical eras and artistic styles, peacefully neighboring and creating an eclectic but unified city ensemble.

The jewel of the Grand Place is the City Hall. This elegant Gothic house of the early 15th century narrowly escaped collapse and severe damage during the French siege though it was the primary target of the enemies. Nevertheless, the historical appearance of the ancient temple experienced small changes. They were partly related to the reconstruction of the square and the building itself, which was completed at the beginning of the 18th century. Another part of the changes was the result of restoration work at the end of the 19th century.

Opposite the City Hall, there is another adornment of the Grand Place – the Bread Hall or the King’s House. The original building of the 13th century had been used to store bread until it was completely demolished during the French attack. Later, the ruler of Belgium decided to rebuild the former Bread Hall and settle in it. So the renewed building erected in a spirit of historicism received the name King’s House. For many decades, it has been housing the Brussels City Museum.

Guild houses stand on both sides of the main square attractions. Although they differ in minor details, each building represents the Baroque architecture of the late 17th century with its picturesquely decorated gables. All houses have their names and golden attributes to emphasize the owner’s status.