BGM: Grand Place

Old Town, Brussels, Belgium

La Grand-Place (French) or Grote Markt (Dutch) is the central square in the old town district. Considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe with its surrounding opulent buildings, it has been listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1998. 

The history of the Grand Place can be traced back to the 11th century with the setting up of an open-air marketplace called Nedermerckt (lit. Lower Market).

The dimension of the square is 110 x 68 m.

Museum of the City of Brussels was conceived in 1860 and inaugurated in 1887.

That's the majestic House of the Dukes of Brabant.

The only remaining medieval building at the square is Brussels Town Hall, which was the primary target of the 1695 bombardment by the French. While the attack flattened most of the square, it was notable that the stone shell of the building remained. 

 

It rises 96 m above the ground.

Charles Buls or Karel Buls was an accomplished politician and mayor of Brussels from 1881 to 1899. 

At the beginning of World War I, the building served as a makeshift hospital.

'The Scheldt' by Pierre-Denis Plumier

Check out what's on sale at the various kiosks during the day.

Handmade wool and silk items, anyone?

What I love about Europe are those cheap and fresh berries.

To me, the buildings are even more charming when lit up after sunset.

Many youngsters were gathering to catch up with their peers.

In addition to guild houses, there are private houses surrounding the square.

The building adorned with an equestrian statue houses a beer museum.

Brussels Town Hall looks awesome too in the evening.

Did you know that a gigantic flower carpet of 1,800 square metres is set up at the square for a few days in August every two years? The tradition has been ongoing since 1971.