Overview:

Grand Place (or Grote Markt in Dutch) is a public square in Brussels, Belgium. It is located in the historic center of the city and is the centerpiece of the World Heritage Site designated in 1998. The square is surrounded by iconic buildings, some of which date back to the 13th century. It is the main site of festivals and celebrations, the most popular being the bi-annual Flower Carpet Festival. The Grand Place is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a popular tourist destination. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

1. Town Hall: The imposing Gothic Town Hall is one of Brussels’ grandest buildings and it is the centerpiece of the Grand Place. This 15th century building is the seat of the City of Brussels and is now a Museum, with its grand exterior and interior, it is an interesting place to learn about Belgian history. 2. King’s House: The King’s House, located in the Grand Place, was the seat of the government of the Low Countries under the rule of the Spanish Hapsburgs in the late 16th century. The building has been beautifully preserved and its façade is decorated with Baroque sculptures. 3. St.Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral: The main cathedral of Brussels stands at one corner of the Grand Place, it is built in Frenchgothic style and its two towers house the statue of Saint Michael, the patron saint of Brussels. 4. Maison du Roi: Located across the Town Hall, the Maison du Roi is a museum dedicated to showcasing the long history of Brussels. The building was constructed in 1695 and its interior is an intricate Baroque palace. 5. Guildhalls: The grand guildhalls line the Grand Place, these traditional buildings were the seat of the powerful guilds of craftsmanship that shaped the city of Brussels. The exteriors of the guildhalls are decorated with detailed sculptures in gothic and baroque styles. 6. Fountains: Two beautiful fountains are situated at the sides of the Grand Place, both were designed in Baroque style and date from the 18th century. They depict elements of Brussels’ history, such as the foundations of the city. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

Grand Place, Brussels is a medieval-style square in the heart of Brussels that forms the most important landmark in the city. Dating back to the 9th century, the square has been an happening place and has witnessed events of immense importance. Presently, the Grand Place-Grote Markt is an urban masterpiece and is surrounded by awe-inspiring guild halls and merchant's houses. Historically, the square began as a fortress built by Charles The Bald. Later, in 1204, Henry The Lion expanded it into a city marketplace. Soon, the city of Brussels grew around it. After its expansion, the Grand Place had become a popular trading spot in the 14th and 15th centuries. It hosted a vibrant market that attracted many merchants, artisans, visitors, and visitors from all around the world. The square served as a venue for bartering and trading many goods ranging from clothes, pottery, silk, fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs. During this period, the Grand Place also assumed great political importance. Many parades, religious festivals, and festivals were held in the square. It was also home to some of the greatest banquets and festivals of the medieval period. With the rise of guilds, the square witnessed the rise of many craft guilds that made brass, leather, and cloth. In the 17th century, the French bombings destroyed the homes, guild halls and buildings in the square. However, the guilds and merchants reconstructed the splendid structures that are still standing today. The Town Hall, Maison du Roi, and other Gothic and Baroque buildings were rebuilt at this time. In 1999, the Grand Place was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense architectural and historical significance. Today, the square continues to remain a vibrant marketplace, hosting annual festivals and events, and attracting locals and visitors alike. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Grand Place is the central square of Brussels and is regarded as the most beautiful in Europe. 2. The Grand Place was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1998. 3. The Grand Place is surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants as well as many of the city’s most important buildings. 4. The Grand Place can trace its history back to the early thirteenth century. 5. The Grand Place hosts a daily flower market where blooms of all shapes and sizes are sold. Every two years, the square is decorated with hundreds of thousands of begonias and other flowers. 6. Every summer, the Grand Place is the setting for a spectacular sound and light show. 7. During World War II, the entire square was destroyed by German bombing. The buildings were perfectly restored to their true grandeur during the 1950s. 8. The Grand Place is the site of the bi-annual Ommegang Festival, in which the citizens of Brussels re-enact the famous procession of 1549. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era