Our last stop on a two-week tour of Holland and Belgium ended in the capital city of Brussels, Belgium’s largest municipality, capital, and administrative center of the European Union. But we hardly noticed those noteworthy accolades: we just loved it for the scenery, history, and modern fashions and art!
Although we initially thought that this would be our last post lauding this charming Holland/Belgium journey, we had so many photos of Grand-Place itself that we have two “last” posts! We first discovered the charms of Grand-Place the day we arrived in Brussels: this cobbled plaza lies only a few paces away from our temporary residence in Brussels: Hotel Amigo.
Our first view wowed us: the grand size of the plaza, its historic guild halls, Maison du Roi (king’s palace), and City Hall. Everywhere, people held up cameras to capture buildings, architectural details, and the one-after-another photo ops of remarkable style.
You have to stand at a distance just to take photos. Massive buildings tower above you, offering magnificent architecture and styles ranging from Baroque to Gothic.
Grand-Place originally was an open-air market, as early as the 10th century. And it has evolved beyond its early designs, with major renovations taking place after a fire in the 14th century and bombardments in 1659. (Source: Top Ten Facts about the Grand-Place)
Today it’s a gathering place.
And the center of celebrations and events, brings people together, securing it as the center of Brussels.
We were unprepared for the beauty at sundown when soft backlighting flooded the buildings, exposing gilded details (as in the photo at the top). And as evening approached, man-made lights added more golden touches, making Brussels a special place to visit.
Whether you go with a tour or all alone, don’t miss standing among historic buildings in this UNESCO Heritage Site or come for greater celebrations like the light and sound shows at Christmas or the spring flower carpet on the world’s most beautiful square.
Grand-Place is a site to behold!
Travel in a dazzled state,
Rusha & Bert
This post is one in a series prompted by a recent trip to The Netherlands and Belgium. Thank you to Viking cruises (Holland & Belgium 2022) and our travel agent, Lauren Gunnels of Ortelius Travel Advisors, for the arrangements and free time to enjoy the scenery!
ourcrossings
This is such a great post with so many amazing photos. I had a chance to explore and be in awe of Brussels’ grand central square, La Grand-Place a few years ago and it’s a place I won’t easily forget. It was one of the most beautiful squares I’ve seen in Europe – Maison du Roi and Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) were my favourite buildings. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
kritika Panse
The Grand Place is a beautiful building. Built with a couple of different architectural styles has given it splendid looks. Really an amazing site worth a visit.
Oh, the Places We See
Would love exploring this and many other places. I’m hoping to return someday and do just that! Thanks for your comment.
Latitude Adjustment: A Tale of Two Wanderers
What a great post. Saving it. Thank you!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. The cities we saw in Belgium have to be some of the prettiest in the world!!!
WanderingCanadians
The Grand-Place looks so beautiful, especially when the sun is setting. Everything looks so golden and magical.
Oh, the Places We See
We agree. No wonder people from all over the world gather here. It’s an array of architecture on fine display!
Denzil
A most wonderful end to your trip then. Lovely photos!
Oh, the Places We See
A great last stop. One more post out on 9.23.22.
Sue
Brought back some memories!
Oh, the Places We See
So glad. It’s a great city to visit.
Sue
Only sadly the Mussels in Brussels didn’t agree with me!
Oh, the Places We See
So funny!
Sue
It wasn’t at the time..I was driving around a test track in Germany when the problems started
Oh, the Places We See
Yikes! I would have panicked!
Sue
I do surprise myself, I can actually be very calm!
Armando
Wonderful post! Grand-Place was just as you described it. And we stopped for a terrific breakfast at the Hotel Amigo, great food and wonderful service. If we return to Brussels some day we are sure to stay at the Amigo.
Oh, the Places We See
Wouldn’t a return trip be lovely????
Toonsarah
It’s an amazing space for sure and you’ve captured it really well. We were lucky to stay in a hotel on the square for a night a few years ago. It wasn’t fancy (only two stars) but what a location! I think it may be the building with green awnings in your first photo.
Oh, the Places We See
You were in the heart of all the action, for sure. I would love that spot!
thehungrytravellers.blog
The word “grand” is very appropriate for this square. Like you, we were really surprised and delighted by the grandeur of it when we visited a few years ago. One of those squares which just makes you stand and stare. And yes we remember the wonderful evening light too. Your descriptions bring memories of the majesty of this square flooding back.
Oh, the Places We See
It was certainly a lovely place, and I can see why European cities build these plazas/gathering places. It makes our little Market Square in Knoxville look pretty small!
dawnkinster
That looks absolutely stunning. Kind of reminds me a little bit of the palace in Venice.
Oh, the Places We See
I think it might have been the enormity that got me at first. But then I saw all that gold on the buildings and the sundown effect with it . . . oh, my! I could go back!