Brussels Photo Gallery - Grand Place

No visit to Brussels is complete without stepping into Grand Place, the impressive square surrounded by grand buildings. This former marsh was drained in the 12th century to become a market and home to the guilds. The Hotel de Ville was built here in the 15th and turned the square into a government centre as well. However, much of the medieval architecture was destroyed by the French bombardment in 1695 and rebuilt in the Baroque style. The Maison du Roi used to host royal guests and is now home to the city's museum, where you can see the Manneken-Pis' many clothes. It was built in the 1870s in the Neo-Gothic style. La Maison des Ducs de Brabant is a set of 6 guildhouses that look like an Italian palace. The Hotel de Ville is the town hall, with a 96m spire soaring high above with a statue of St. Michael killing the devil at the top. Dating from the 15th century, the town wanted to build a home fit for its wealth. Today, you can pay 15 euros to visit the rooms inside on a self-guided tour. Every side of the square has buildings with extensively-ornate exteriors. Be sure to return after sunset when the buildings are smartly and beautifuly lit up.

Brussels Photo Gallery Main Page

To re-use these photos or notify of errors, please email me. Thank you.