Rebuilt by the guilds after the French bombardment of August 1695, the square preserves the Baroque guildhalls and Gothic Town Hall.
The Grand Place (Grote Markt) in central Brussels, Belgium, is the city's medieval market square and the setting for its most important civic buildings. Its present appearance dates largely from the years after 13 to 15 August 1695, when French troops under Marshal Villeroy, acting on the orders of Louis XIV, bombarded the city for roughly two days. Almost the whole square burned, and only the stone shell of the Gothic Town Hall and part of its tower survived. The guilds, which owned most of the surrounding houses, rebuilt them quickly, mostly between 1696 and 1700, with the city authorities setting out guidelines to keep the frontages harmonious.
The Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) on the south side was built in stages between 1401 and 1455, with the architect Jacob van Thienen credited with the left wing and the asymmetrical form of the facade. Its spire, completed by Jan van Ruysbroeck, rises to about 96 metres and is topped by a gilded figure of Saint Michael, the patron of Brussels. Facing it stands the Maison du Roi, today the Brussels City Museum, rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century. The remaining sides are lined by guildhalls, each identified by a name and a sculpted emblem: Le Cornet of the boatmen, Le Renard of the haberdashers, L'Étoile, Le Sac, La Louve of the archers, Le Cygne of the butchers, L'Arbre d'Or of the brewers, and the Maison des Ducs de Brabant, a grand Baroque ensemble with busts of the dukes. Many facades are covered in gilded sculpture, allegorical figures and ornate gables in the Flemish Baroque manner.
The square has witnessed notable events, including the execution of the Counts of Egmont and Horn in 1568 and the meetings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels at Le Cygne during their exile in Brussels in the 1840s. The buildings were repeatedly restored from the 19th century onwards, and the city authorities have maintained strict rules on cleaning and renovation to protect the gilding and stonework. The Grand Place remains pedestrianised, hosts a biennial flower carpet in August of even-numbered years, and a sound-and-light show in winter. The square is best experienced slowly, walking its perimeter and reading the emblems above each doorway.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Square always open |
| Address | Grand-Place, 1000 Brussels |
Why it matters
The Grand Place was the commercial and civic heart of medieval Brussels and was rebuilt within a few years of Louis XIV's 1695 bombardment, a recovery that demonstrated the power of the city's guilds. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
Location
Grand-Place, 1000 Brussels
50.8467, 4.3525 View on map
Highlights
- Gothic Town Hall with its 96 m spire topped by a gilded Saint Michael
- Baroque guildhalls such as Le Cornet, Le Renard, Le Cygne and L'Arbre d'Or
- Gilded facades of the Maison des Ducs de Brabant
- Reconstruction after the 1695 French bombardment visible in the unified frontages
- Biennial flower carpet and evening illumination
Tips for visiting
- Visit early in the morning for empty views before tour groups arrive.
- Look up: the gilded details and guild emblems are above the cafe awnings.
- Town Hall interior is visited by guided tour only; check schedules at the tourist office.
- Terrace cafes on the square charge premium prices; side streets are cheaper.
- Return after dark when the facades are lit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an admission fee for the Grand Place?
No. The square is an open public space and is free to enter at any hour. Charges apply only to the interiors of the Town Hall and the museums around it.
How long does a visit take?
Around 30 to 60 minutes is enough to see the facades and read the guild emblems. Add one to two hours to visit the Brussels City Museum or take a Town Hall tour.
What happened to the square in 1695?
French artillery bombarded Brussels in August 1695 and destroyed most of the buildings around the square. The guilds rebuilt the houses in Baroque style within a few years.
Is the square suitable for children and wheelchair users?
Yes, the square is flat and traffic-free, though the cobblestones are uneven. Children generally enjoy the gilded sculptures and the nearby Manneken Pis.