The Grand Place

When on a business trip to Brussels a couple of months ago, Kevin had the opportunity to visit the Grand Place in the evening and said it was spectacular after the sun set and the lights shone on the buildings in the square. So, when Jordan and Sandy said they would like to visit Belgium, the choice was obvious. We were off to Brussels!

The start to the day was a little slower than planned due to heavy traffic, but we were not disappointed when we arrived! Kevin had a little work to do after checking into the hotel, so Jordan and Sandy went to see the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. The gothic structure was built over 300 years, starting in the 13th century.

We explored the town a little bit, went for a traditional Belgian dinner, explored a little more, and then found a place to enjoy a traditional Belgian beer at the Grand Place while we waited for the sun to set.

The Grand Place or Grote Markt in Dutch, is the main square in the city of Brussels and it has a long history. Due to its rich history and beautiful architecture, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the 10th century, a fort was built that would become Brussels. In the 11th and 12th centuries it was a market. In the 13th and 14th centuries large indoor markets were added to the square. At the beginning of the 15th century construction began on the Hotel de Ville, the Town Hall. Statues of important figures adorn the building, which received an addition of a large tower and a wing to house the important guilds of Brussels.

Directly across the square from the Town hall, is the Museum of the City of Brussels. It is housed in a neo-gothic building that was constructed by the Duke of Brabant between 1504 to 1536 as a show of ducal power. Although no king ever lived there, it is known as the Maison du Roi in French. As it was built on the site of the first cloth and bread markets, in Dutch it is called the Broodhuis (Breadhouse).

The square was completed with houses built by wealthy merchants and powerful guilds. The gold embellishments on these buildings glisten in the sunlight and come alive as the sun sets.

As the sun went down and the lights came on, people filled the square to admire its beauty. This photo is of the Broodhuis. The patio where we relaxed is in the building immediately to the left. Gold embellishments can be seen on the building on the right. Some of the most spectacular gold embellishments are on the buildings further to the right and around the square continuing along to the Town Hall.