Grand-Place of Brussels, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium
GPS: 50.84745863971, 4.3530127727972
The Grand-Place of Brussels (Grote Markt in Dutch) is the central and historic square of the Belgian capital. Built in a flamboyant baroque style, it is surrounded by large merchant buildings, most of which were constructed at the end of the 17th century. This architectural ensemble makes the Grand-Place one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Having greatly contributed to the prosperity of the city, the Grand-Place remains the political and commercial centre of Brussels and has greatly contributed to the prosperity of the city.
Once lined with wooden houses, the Grand-Place of Brussels was first used as a market in the 15th century. The buildings became the symbol of the prosperity of the Flemish merchants (called guild houses) at the end of the Middle Ages and played an important political role with the construction of the Town Hall. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Grote Markt was used for public executions before being returned to its original commercial function. Despite its flourishing character, its massive destruction was ordered by Louis XIV in 1695 during the war of the League of Augsburg. This conflict pitted the French king against several continental European countries, including the territory of the United Provinces of the Netherlands and took place between 1688 and 1697. All the buildings damaged in the Grand-Place during the clashes with the French troops led by Marshal François de Neufville de Villeroy were immediately rebuilt. After three days of bombing, only the façades and the tower of the Town Hall building miraculously escaped destruction.
The Grand-Place in Brussels with its many cafés, bars and museums is the starting point for any visit to the Belgian capital. Its richly ornamented buildings form a homogeneous and admirable heritage in an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Throughout the year, the Grand-Place of Brussels is alive with festive, cultural, artistic, and musical events. At Christmas time, it is adorned with a huge Christmas tree around which a funfair, a Ferris wheel, a Christmas market, and other activities are held every year. At certain times of the year, the Grand-Place of Brussels is decorated with a carpet of flowers and hosts concerts, sound, and light shows.