Grand Place, Brussels

Background

The Grand Place is in the centre of Brussels, Belgium, west of Brussels-Central station and within walking distance of it. The square is about 110 metres long and about 68 metres wide, and entirely paved with stone. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 (No. 857, criteria ii, iv). The Town Hall was built in stages between 1401 and 1455; its Brabantine Gothic tower is about 96 metres high and topped by a statue of St Michael, the original of which is kept in the Brussels City Museum. Opposite stands the Neo-Gothic King's House (also called the Bread House), rebuilt in the late 19th century and now the Brussels City Museum; despite its name, no king ever lived there. The façades of Nos. 13–19 are together known as the House of the Dukes of Brabant; a guildhall of the brewers' guild houses a beer museum; the Swan, the Pigeon and the other guildhalls each have their own name and guild emblems. Construction of the square began in the 11th century, when it was an open-air market; from the 14th century it was steadily improved, reflecting the rise of local merchants. In 1695, during the Nine Years' War, French troops bombarded Brussels and most of the square was destroyed, with only the Town Hall's façade and tower and a few other walls surviving; the guilds then rebuilt it. In the 19th century the square was restored, driven by Mayor Charles Buls among others. It is often counted among the most beautiful squares in the world.

Local customs

• Walk around the square identifying the buildings: the Town Hall, the King's House, the House of the Dukes of Brabant, and the façade carvings and guild emblems of each guildhall
• visit the Brussels City Museum to see the Town Hall's original sculptures
• climb the Town Hall tower, or watch the façades from a café terrace on the square (tower visits are as arranged on site)
• come in August of a Flower Carpet year to see the Flower Carpet, and see the Christmas tree and lights at Christmas (as officially announced for the year)
• walk from the square to the nearby Manneken Pis and the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert.

Travel tips

• The square is explored entirely on foot
• the stone paving is slippery after rain, so wear comfortable shoes. Opening and visiting arrangements for the Town Hall and the museum are as posted on site and officially announced
• the square is surrounded by restaurants and shops, with prices as marked on site.
• Brussels-Central station is a few minutes' walk from the square
• metro and trams reach interchange points in every direction around the old town
• long-distance trains mostly stop at Brussels-South station, where you change to city transport. Check the latest local information for specific routes and timetables. The square can be visited all year round: the Flower Carpet is laid every two years in August, and the Christmas season brings a Christmas tree and light events (both as officially announced for the year)
• spring and autumn are mild and best for strolling
• summer is crowded, and in winter dress warmly.