Tour & Taxis - Brussels

A former international postal service, train station and shipping yard, the huge Tour & Taxis site has lived many lives. Developed by the German von Thurn und Tassis family (in French really only pronounceable as Tour et Taxis) – European postmaster royalty in those days – the original swampy piece of land rapidly evolved into the spine of Brussels’ economy. And while the grounds haven’t served any transit purposes since the ’60s, the grand industrial decor makes for a great backdrop to the capital’s biggest cultural events.
Ongoing renovation works since 2001 have made sure not to disturb the old industrial charm pervading the place. The former railway station still has old tracks running through it, and the mammoth halls known as the Sheds have kept their original metallic framework and saw-tooth ceiling. And even though the four-storey-high, glass-roofed Royal Depot has become a thing of beauty as a multipurpose hub for shopping, dining and general relaxation, Tour & Taxis remains mostly known as a venue for reputable fairs and festivals.