911±¬ÁÏÍø

Just around the corner from the Royal Square stands the grand and somewhat unwieldy Royal Palace, a rather solemn conversion of late 18th-century townhouses from the 19th century. The extensive project was initiated by King William I, who ruled both Belgium and the Netherlands from 1815 to 1830. However, the Belgian rebellion of 1830 marked the end of the joint kingdom, and since then, the kings of independent Belgium have spent little time in this palace. In fact, while it remains their official residence, the royal family resides at the Royal Castle of Laeken, just outside Brussels.

Each year, during the summer months (usually from late July to early September), the Royal Palace opens its doors to the public. Visitors can tour several of the palace's rooms and learn about the history of the Belgian monarchy.

A visit here can be worthwhile for a few reasons: the tapestries designed by Goya; the magnificent chandeliers in the Throne Room; and the captivating "Heaven of Delight" ceiling fresco, in the Mirror Room, composed of over a million jewel scarab beetles in radiating green and blue colors.

An even more intriguing option is to explore one of the mansions within the Royal Palace complex, the Hôtel Bellevue, at the corner of Palace Square and Royal Street. This mansion has been transformed into the BELvue Museum, which delves into the brief history of independent Belgium, with corridor displays focusing on the country's kings and rooms dedicated to Belgium as a whole.

The building's location is historically significant, as it was from here that rebellious Belgians fired upon the Dutch army as it attempted to cross Brussels Park in 1830. Original artifacts such as photographs, documents, and letters are on display.

The name "Sablon" originates from the sandy marshland that once occupied the area until the 17th century. The Place du Grand Sablon serves as a hub for antiques and houses leading chocolate makers such as Wittamer and Pierre Marcolini; it's also a great spot for a satisfying lunch. In contrast, the Place du Petit Sablon park is adorned with statues representing the medieval guilds of Brussels. Between the two areas stands this 15th-century church of the Guild of Crossbowmen (or archers), a splendid example of Brabantine Gothic architecture, complete with a lofty nave and chapels embellished with sculptures by some of the most celebrated 17th-century artists.

The structure initially served as a place of worship for the guild members in the 1300s; however, a century later, it had to undergo significant enlargement to accommodate the influx of pilgrims drawn by the purported healing powers of its Madonna statue. The statue was acquired in 1348 through a daring theft from a church in Antwerp, reportedly carried out by a husband-and-wife team motivated by a vision, using a rowing boat. Although it's no longer present, a boat behind the pulpit commemorates this curious event.

Traditionally frequented by Brussels' elite, the church also served as a burial ground for affluent community members until the late 1700s.

Why You Should Visit:
To be awed by the grandeur, yet simultaneously feel the intimacy that sets this church apart from more conventional ones. The structure is exceptionally well-lit thanks to its numerous and striking stained-glass windows – some of the most memorable you'll ever encounter!

Tip:
Visit early on a Sunday to explore the antique market outside the church, adding to the overall experience.

The Sablon district, named after the yellow sandy soil found in the area, anchors the southern part of the Upper Town. At its heart lies the Petit Sablon square, a small rectangular area that was transformed into a public garden in 1890, having previously served as a horse market.

The garden is enclosed by a beautiful wrought-iron fence adorned with 48 statuettes representing medieval guilds. Inside, near the top of the slope, you'll find ten slightly larger statues honoring significant figures from Belgium's 16th century. While these figures may not be widely recognized outside of Belgium, a few might be familiar to some – Mercator, the renowned geographer and cartographer known for Mercator's projection of the Earth's surface; William the Silent, often considered the founder of the Netherlands; and the painter Bernard van Orley. Additionally, on top of the fountain, you'll see the figures of Counts Egmont and Hoorn, who were beheaded on the Grand-Place in 1568 for their opposition to the Habsburgs.

Count Egmont is further commemorated by the Egmont Palace ("Palais d’Egmont") located at the rear of the square. This elegant building, originally constructed in 1534 for Françoise of Luxembourg, the mother of the executed count was where the United Kingdom signed the accession treaty to join the European Economic Community (now the European Union) in 1972.

Why You Should Visit:
To experience the tranquility of this oasis in the midst of the city. The fountain is soothing, the landscaping is well-maintained, and the ring of statues is intriguing.

Tip:
Take a leisurely stroll around the park and try to identify the professions represented by the 48 bronze statues. While some may be challenging to decipher due to the passage of time, it's a fun and worthwhile activity!

Place Poelaert is named after the architect who designed the monumental Palace of Justice, which dominates the square and its surroundings. This colossal building, constructed over a 20-year period and inaugurated in 1883, is a true architectural giant, representing the largest secular construction of the 19th century. Adorned with an eclectic blend of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Assyrian motifs, it is crowned by an enormous 24,000-ton golden dome, which has recently undergone extensive restoration at a considerable cost.

Visitors have the opportunity to explore the main hall of the building, a solemn space with small audience tables where lawyers confer with their clients; however, the sheer size of the palace is the most awe-inspiring aspect. During the construction of this imposing structure, several thousand residents were forcibly displaced to create the necessary space, making Poelaert one of the most despised figures in the city's history. In fact, when he descended into madness and passed away in 1879, many believed that a "steekes" (witch) from the Marolles district had been using effigies to harm him. The Marolliens took more direct revenge: on the day after its inauguration, the palace was opened to the public, who defiled it by urinating in various corners and vandalizing the seats. During World War II, as fleeing Nazis planted explosives in the basement and set fire to the building, extensive damage ensued, including the collapse of the dome, necessitating significant restoration work.

Why You Should Visit:
A unique opportunity to step into a piece of history that is still in use today, and entry is free for tourists.
The interior feels like a journey back in time, reminiscent of an era from the past.

Tip:
Don't miss the chance to enjoy great views of Brussels from the square in front of the palace!

Nestled discreetly near the Palace of Justice, Egmont Park often goes unnoticed on many travel itineraries; however, it offers a delightful patch of greenery and serves as a backdrop to La Fabrique, a beautifully restored orangery with huge windows that bathe the tables in sunlight.

On weekdays, La Fabrique serves up healthy lunches, including options like artichoke salad with cheese croquettes and a delectable 'suikertaart' (sugar tart), but the real showstopper is their colossal weekend brunch buffet, featuring a mouthwatering array of dishes such as roast pumpkin, ricotta and spinach ravioli, smoked salmon with dill, and a variety of egg preparations.

Originally, this green oasis was part of the Egmont Palace in the 16th century, and its layout underwent several transformations over the centuries. Since 1902, it's designed as an English-style park and garden, offering open green spaces surrounded by mature trees, along with a few monuments like those of Peter Pan and Prince Louis-Eugene de Ligne. The park also features walking paths and, as mentioned earlier, the charming La Fabrique with its outdoor seating.

While it may not be ideal for lengthy strolls due to its small size, the park makes for a nice spot to sit back, savor the view of the palace, and enjoy a cup of coffee or a tranquil moment of relaxation.

Located behind the Notre-Dame du Sablon church, Place du Grand Sablon is one of Brussels' most delightful squares. It takes the shape of a sloping wedge paved with cobblestones and is surrounded by tall, slender townhouses that showcase various architectural styles, ranging from simple crow-step gables to grand Neoclassical facades, and occasional Art Nouveau extravagances.

The prominent fountain at the center of the square was commissioned by Thomas Bruce, the Earl of Aylesbury, an English émigré and Jacobite sympathizer, in 1740. The fountain's central figure is Minerva, who holds medallions featuring the Empress Maria Theresa and her consort. Nearby, three allegorical figures can be seen – War, Fame, blowing his trumpet, and the River Scheldt with an overflowing urn.

Grand Sablon is situated in one of the city's most affluent neighborhoods and is particularly lively on weekends when an antiques market (running on Saturdays from 9 AM to 5 PM and on Sundays from 9 AM to 3 PM) sets up below the church. Many shops on the square and in the surrounding streets specialize in antiques and art, making it a perfect place for window-shopping. You can also soak up the vibrant atmosphere by dining or having a drink at one of Sablon's many cafes.

Why You Should Visit:
Between antique fairs, art galleries, small cafés and fabulous chocolatiers, this place has a charm!.

Tip:
Be sure to explore the lovely Petit Sablon garden just south of the church – it's worth a visit!

In the streets around Grand Sablon Square, you'll find one antique shop after another, and almost all of them offer a fantastic selection and high-quality items. The renowned "Center", established in 1984 and family-owned since 2003, boasts a 600-square-meter space brimming with a diverse range of vintage treasures: oil paintings, drawings, ceramic and bronze sculptures, porcelain sets, exquisite furniture (including wooden chests, classic chairs, and elegant dining tables), as well as various home accessories (clocks, silverware, chandeliers, lamps, and candelabras). The collection spans from the 15th century to the 20th century. Owner, Mr. Patrick Van der Stichelen, maintains connections with over 200 international antique dealers and hosts more than 180 vendors within the center.

The Regional Parliament, often referred to as the Brussels Parliament, is a complex of buildings that offers intriguing architecture. While the majority of the structures date from the early 20th century, certain wings within the complex trace their origins back to the 17th century. The overall architectural style of the edifice is neoclassical, with a very modern hemicycle (horse shoe-shaped debating chamber) on the top floor.

Originally, the Regional Parliament was situated at the Maes family mansion, which was destroyed in 1695 during the bombardment of Brussels by the French troops under King Louis XIV. The remnants of the old mansion were acquired by Count Charles van den Berghe, who then built a new mansion on the site, complete with an enclosed courtyard and garden. In 1823, the mansion was purchased by the authorities to house the Brabant government and serve as the residence for the governor. Over time, it fell into disrepair and required substantial modifications.

In 1995, Brussels became an independent region, separating from the Brabant province, and established its own regional legislature. The Federal state subsequently transferred the building to Brussels to serve as the parliament; however, it was deemed unsuitable for this purpose and underwent further renovations. As part of these renovations, local authorities commissioned eleven artists to enhance and embellish various parts of the structure.

Tip:
Individual visitors can freely access the parliamentary chambers during business hours without a reservation. During the summer, you can begin your visit at any time, while for the rest of the year, visits are scheduled at specific hourly intervals. Guided tours of the building are also available at certain times. If you have a keen interest in the parliamentary proceedings, you can observe live sessions on a first-come, first-served basis.

Brussels Park, often still called the Royal Park, is the largest urban public park in Brussels, spanning over 13 hectares. The city’s first public park is bordered by major streets and the Belgian House of Parliament. The park is landscaped with plane, chestnut, maple, beech, and trellised lime trees and has a central pond linked by avenues that provide views toward the city's key landmarks such as the Palace of Justice and the Royal Palace.

The park's origins trace back to the former Palace of Coudenberg's gardens, used since the Middle Ages as hunting grounds by the Dukes of Brabant. Under the reign of Archduchess Maria Elisabeth of Austria, the governor of the Austrian Netherlands, the area was adorned with water basins, fountains, imitation rock caves, and numerous statues, making it one of Europe's most beautiful parks. Between 1776 and 1783, it was redesigned in a neoclassical style, featuring a complete overhaul with the felling and replanting of thousands of trees.

Throughout its history, Brussels Park has witnessed significant events, from destruction during the French Revolution to serving as a refuge during the Belgian Revolution. The year 1830 marked a pivotal moment in history when the park saw a major confrontation between revolutionary forces and the Dutch army which ultimately led to Belgian independence from the Netherlands. The revolutionaries emerged victorious, and on September 27, 1830, the nation of Belgium was born.

Inside the park, there are several significant cultural structures like the Royal Park Theatre and Vauxhall of Brussels. The former, established in 1782 at the park's northern end, initially served as a literary hub and a venue for diverse performances, including ballets and operas. After a fire in 1998, it underwent renovations, in the year 2000, to enhance its classical theatre focus. Adjacent to it, the Vauxhall, constructed in the 1780s, has been a prestigious site for concerts and social gatherings. It was revitalized in 1913, featuring distinctive green trelliswork. Nearby, the Vauxhall bandstand, redesigned in 1913 in a neo-Moorish style, briefly hosted summer concerts. The park's primary bandstand, built in 1841, as well as two historic water basins adorned with fountains and busts of Hermes, further exemplify the blend of artistic and natural beauty.

Brussels Park also features around sixty sculptures, mostly Greco-Roman mythological figures. Originally sourced from the Castle of Tervuren's park, these statues bore the brunt of wars, vandalism, and pollution, leading to most of them being replaced by replicas.

The Europa building is the seat of the European Council and Council of the European Union. Its defining feature is the multi-storey "lantern-shaped" construct holding the main meeting rooms; a representation of which has been adopted by both the European Council and Council of the EU as their official emblems.

The Europa building is situated on the former site of the partially demolished and renovated Bloc A of the Residence Palace. Its exterior combines the listed Art Deco façade of the original 1920s building with the contemporary design of architect Philippe Samyn. The building is linked via two skyways and a service tunnel to the adjacent Justus Lipsius building, which provides for additional office space, meeting rooms and press facilities.

The Espace Léopold is the complex of parliament buildings in Brussels housing the European Parliament, a legislative chamber of the European Union.

It consists of a number of buildings, primarily the oldest, the Paul-Henri Spaak building, which houses the debating chamber and the President's offices, and the Altiero Spinelli building which is the largest. The buildings are located in the European quarter in the east of Brussels, with building starting in 1989.

The complex is not the official seat of Parliament, which is the Immeuble Louise Weiss in Strasbourg, France, but as most of the other institutions of the European Union are in Brussels, Parliament built the Brussels complex to be closer to their activities. A majority of the Parliament's work is now geared to its Brussels site, but it is legally bound to keep Strasbourg as its official home.

Emerging between the tidily renovated Gare du Quartier Léopold railway station and the scenic Léopold Park stands the imposing European Parliament building, a structure crafted from glass, stone, and steel, consisting of two primary blocks. The first of the two, known as the Spinelli building, houses the offices of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and the EU library, as well as featuring an information office where EU-related information is provided, along with answers to inquiries about the building and guidance on guided tours.

On the other hand, the Spaak building is the residence of the horseshoe-shaped debating chamber, equipped with a curved glass roof that reaches a height of 70 meters. Completed in 1997, this building showcases a striking cylinder-shaped glass dome reminiscent of the Crystal Palace. While it has its admirers, it's locally referred to as "Le caprice des dieux" ("Folly of the gods"), which not only alludes to its cheese-shaped appearance but also humorously comments on the EU's perception of its own significance.

The thirty-minute tours of the Spaak building are relatively brief, providing a glimpse into the debating chamber and the adjacent stairwell. Visitors are provided with headphones that guide them through and offer explanations about the functioning of the EU. While not necessarily a must-see attraction, the tour does provide insights into the building's purpose, primarily housing the Parliament's various committees (with most debates taking place in Strasbourg). To join the tour, visitors should report to the Spaak building's visitor entrance fifteen minutes before the scheduled time and remember to carry photo identification.

Nestled at the heart of the European Quarter, adjacent to the Paul-Henri Spaak building, which houses the European Parliament, this picturesque landscape with rolling hills, covering 10 hectares (25 acres) and surrounding a serene lake, has replaced the former Royal Zoological Gardens that once occupied the site. The park was established in 1880 and initially served as the backdrop for the Solvay School of Commerce campus buildings.

While the school desired to expand its campus with additional structures, concerns arose from the public that such expansion might encroach too much on the park, diminishing the enjoyment of its visitors. The original campus buildings still stand within the park, with only one of them remaining under the ownership of the school: the impressive Solvay Library ("Bibliothèque Solvay"), a magnificent barrel-vaulted edifice adorned with splendid mahogany paneling.

The park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a lush and tranquil escape from the bustling city of Brussels. Visitors can explore the remnants of the medieval Eggevoort tower, and the lake itself, one of the last remaining in the entire Maalbek Valley, serves as a prominent focal point. The park is also home to several bird species, including coots, mallards, geese, parakeets, and moorhens. Admission is free, and there is a play area that is particularly enjoyed by young visitors.

The wide and verdant lawns of Jubilee Park ("Parc du Cinquantenaire") slope upward to meet a grandiose triumphal arch of monumental proportions. Crowning this arch is a colossal bronze statue titled "Brabant Raising the National Flag", featuring a chariot drawn by four horses, symbolizing the Brabant province. Statues representing other provinces are positioned at the base of the columns surrounding the arch, whose sides are adorned with "galleries of the columns", embellished with mosaics illustrating Belgium's commitment to peace.

Le Cinquantenaire, which comprises the arch and the two substantial stone buildings it connects, was established by King Leopold II to commemorate the golden jubilee of the Belgian state in 1880. While the arch was intended to serve as a new entrance gate to the area, its funding and construction sparked controversy, as the king aspired to create an exceedingly extravagant structure, while the government was reluctant to allocate excessive funds. The financing and construction process proved protracted, spanning 25 years until its completion in 1905, with King Leopold II and private donors ultimately covering the costs.

On a positive note, Jubilee Park continues to host a variety of shows and trade fairs, maintaining its role as a versatile public space. The buildings within the park now house extensive collections of art and applied art, weaponry, and automobiles, exhibited across three distinct museums.

Why You Should Visit:
Because the best things in life are free.

Tip:
Just head to the top of the arch to admire Brussels' interesting panorama.

The Jubilee Park features expansive, leafy lawns that slope upward to a colossal triumphal arch crowned with a massive bronze sculpture called "Brabant Raising the National Flag". This arch, along with the two substantial stone buildings it connects, makes up Le Cinquantenaire ("Fiftieth Anniversary"), established by King Léopold II to commemorate the golden jubilee of the Belgian state in 1880. The exhibition at the time showcased products from Belgium and its colonies and was a great success. Today, the park continues to host various shows and trade fairs, while the buildings house extensive collections of art and applied art, weapons, and cars, displayed across three separate museums.

One notable attraction within the park itself is the Pavillon Horta, tucked away in the northwest corner. This Neoclassical structure, covered in graffiti, is known as the "pavilion of human passions" due to the controversial sculpture inside, created by Jef Lambeaux in 1886, which depicts writhing naked figures overseen by a shrouded Death. The pavilion was specifically designed to house this provocative work and was architect Victor Horta's first public commission, quite different from the later organic decorative style for which he became renowned. Interestingly, the building was closed just three days after opening due to the controversy generated by the bold artwork.

Next to the pavilion is a large cream-colored building, which houses Brussels' main mosque. This modern Arabic-style mosque was built in 1978 by a Tunisian architect, serving as a replacement for an earlier structure dating back to 1897.

Why You Should Visit:
A great place to relax, jog, enjoy picturesque views, and explore the diverse range of museums.
It's also a perfect spot for picnicking, especially on weekends when people and dog watching are popular activities.

Tip:
Visitors to the Royal Military Museum can take an elevator to the top of the Arch to enjoy wonderful views of Brussels, and this access is free of charge.