“One of the most beautiful town squares in Europe, if not in the world”, is a phrase often heard when visitors in Brussels try to describe the beauty of the central market square. French-speakers refer to it as the ‘Grand-Place’, whereas in Dutch it is called ‘de grote Markt’. The tourists of the 20th century are not alone in their admiration . Archduchess Isabella, daughter of Filip II of Spain wrote about the square during her visit to Brussels on September the 5th 1599: ” Never have I seen something so beautiful and exquisite as the town square of the city where the town hall rises up into the sky. The decoration of the houses is most remarkable “.
The Grand-Place is an outstanding example of the eclectic and highly successful blending of architectural and artistic styles that characterizes the culture and society of this region. The scene of various markets and events throughout the year, The Grand Place is the focal point of the city of Brussels and the heart of its social and civic life.
Victor Hugo and Jacques Cocteau termed the Grand’ Place “a rich theatre”, “a gigantic place”. It is surrounded by the “houses” of the Middle Age Guilds, the magnificent City Hall, the “King’s House” (where no king ever lived!) and more.All these buildings, except for the City Hall were destroyed in 1695 but rebuilt within the next four years. What were wooden faades before 1695 were rebuilt entirely in stone and embellished with statues in gilded copper.The square is lined on two sides with cafe-restaurants providing terraces from sunup to sundown…Every second year the Grand’ Place becomes a huge flower garden. More than 700.000 begonias of every color are used to form a magnificent flower carpet.
Between April and September the town square and its buildings are illuminated at night to the rythm of classical music.
There are two sessions of aproximately 15 minutes each night (between 21.30 h and 23.15 h, depending on the sunset).
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Brussels climate
Best: May-Sept, though the weather is notoriously erratic.
Worst: Nov-March. Short daylight hours, cold and grey, but floodlighting and hyper-beers will enlighten midnight minds.
Brussel Festivals
Feb 6,7,8, the Carnival of Binche. An ancient and famously kaleidoscopic event with costumes and masks. Binche is 54kms [34 miles] from Brussels.
May 22, the Battle of Lumecon & The Procession of the Golden Chariot, Mons. A George and the Dragon battle and religious procession in this pretty city [40 mins by train].
May-November, Festival of Flanders. Superb classical music in magnificent locations, such as cathedrals, all over Flanders [just north a bit].
Last Thurs of June,
