Grand Place of Brussels

Grand Place of Brussels

The Grand Place of Brussels is located in the heart of Brussels, the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium. Originally built in the 12th century, it is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. In 1998, UNESCO designated the Grand Place as a cultural heritage site and included it in the World Heritage List.

This grand square is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a symbol of Brussels’ wealth. The Grand Place is rectangular in shape, measuring 110 meters in length and 68 meters in width. The world-famous square is surrounded by buildings in various architectural styles, mainly Gothic, Renaissance, and Louis XIV styles, all dating back to the Middle Ages. The diverse architectural styles give visitors the feeling of stepping back in time to the medieval era.

The Grand Place belongs to both the citizens and visitors, with an atmosphere rich in daily life permeating both inside and outside the buildings: cafes, bars, seafood shops, ice cream parlors, clothing stores, and flower shops line up one after another, many of which are century-old establishments. Notably, Marx, Engels, and Hugo were once guests at some of these spots. Although the buildings on the square vary in age and style, together they represent the pinnacle of Western classicism. Each building is exquisitely detailed, and the overall ensemble presents a harmonious and complementary aesthetic, with the surrounding structures reflecting and enhancing each other.

Grand Place Brussels