Last Updated on 7th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
Grand Place lies in the heart of Brussels and is often touted to be one of the most beautiful public squares in the world. A true must-see when you’re visiting Belgium, here’s your complete guide to Grand Place, as well as a history, and what to know before you go.
Please note that Grand Place is the French version of the square. As Belgium has three official languages (Flemish, French and German), its name in Flemish is Grote Markt.
Contents
A history of Grote Markt in Brussels
The story of Grand Place dates all the way back to the 12th-century, though it was only completed in its present form in the 17th-century. The first buildings in the square would have been constructed from wood.
Unfortunately, most of the buildings in the square were destroyed in a French bombardment in 1695 and so had to be reconstructed.
In centuries gone by, Grand Place would have been the place in the city where merchants, traders, and even regular citizens would have traded goods. Indeed, this was the case for so many decades that the streets around the square are named for foods.
Wander down any of the surrounding roads and you’ll soon notice that they bear names such as Rue du Marché aux Herbes (herbs), Rue du Marché aux Fromages (cheeses), and Rue au Beurre (butter).
During the 13th-century, three covered markets were built so that merchants would be able to sell and exhibit their wares even in the case of a rainy day. As the city grew, the market stalls grew fewer and were replaced with Guildhalls, grand buildings which were used for tax collecting purposes.
Over the centuries, a number of historic events have taken place in the square. For example, in 1523, Hendrik Voes and Jan Van Essen were the first Protestant martyrs who were burned by the inquisition. Meanwhile, in 1568, the counts of Egmont and Hoorn were beheaded in the square.
Today, the illustrious square boasts elements of Baroque, Gothic and Louis XIV architecture and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998.
Main buildings of the Grand Place
There are two main buildings in the square which are so beautiful and iconic that they pretty much steal the show from all other structures in Grand Place. These are the Maison du Roi and the Hôtel de Ville.
Rather curiously, the Maison du Roi (King’s House) is actually known in Flemish as Broodhuis, which is literally translated into English as Bread House.
In the 13th-century, a bread market was on the site of where this 19th-century Neo-Gothic building now stands. The French name, Maison du Roi, refers to the fact that, during the 16th-century, the owner of the Palace was Charles V, the King of Spain.
With its impossibly high steeple (96 metres in height) and ornately carved façade, the Hôtel de Ville (known as Stadhuis in Flemish) stands out from even the most beautiful of buildings in Grand Place.
The town hall has retained its function as the administrative heart and centre of Brussels since it was constructed in the 15th-century. In a rather curious twist of fate, the town hall, which was built between 1401 and 1455 is the only surviving medieval building in the square.
Another interesting building in the square is known as Le Pigeon. Located at Grand Place 26-27, this is where Victor Hugo lived during his exile from France in 1852.
Things to do in Grand Place
Thanks to its central location and tumultuous history, Grand Place remains the beating heart of Brussels historic city centre. And, even today, the Grote Markt remains the perfect spot from which to begin any exploration of old Brussels, even if you only have one day in the city.
Indeed, the Grand Place is close to many prime attractions in the city, including Manneken Pis (the statue of the small peeing boy) and the illustrious covered Royal Galleries.
Winter light show
One of the more seasonal events that you’ll enjoy as part of the Brussels Christmas Market is the winter light show. As well as a giant Christmas tree (which is lit up with LED lights, including 1.3 km worth of glowing red lights), the entire square is illuminated each evening in all kinds of different coloured lights.
City Hall Museum
One of the must-see museums of Brussels for those who wish to learn more about the history of the city and its surroundings, as well as it historical importance within Europe, is the Brussels City Museum.
Set against the backdrop of the Maison du Roi, highlights of this museum include the original statue of Manneken Pis (which is on display on the top floor) and dioramas of how Brussels would have appeared during the Middle Ages. On the first Sunday of every month, the museum is free.
Tour the Town Hall
As one of the most impressive buildings in Grand Place, it should come as no surprise that this is one of the top places to visit in the square. Unfortunately, you can only visit the Hôtel de Ville via guided tour, though it’s possible to take these in English, French, Flemish, or Spanish.
Beer Museum
If there’s one thing you need to know about Brussels before visiting, it’s that you’ll be surprised by the number of weird, wonderful and unique museums scattered throughout the city.
For example, one of my favourite hidden gems of Brussels is that there’s quite literally a museum dedicated entirely to the wardrobe of Manneken Pis. Another one is located right on Grand Place and is the Beer Museum.
Known locally as the Musée de la Bière Belge, this historical centre showcases 18th-century brewing equipment and also highlights more recent inventions.
Flower Carpet
Only taking place for a few short weeks in summer once every two years, the Flower Carpet is a true highlight of summer festivities in Brussels and boasts an astonishing half a million begonias which are arranged into a tapestry-like formation on the ground of Grand Place.
Enjoyed reading about the best of Grand Place? Pin this article now, read it again later:
Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.