Place Royale - Koningsplein, Neoclassical square in Royal Quarter, Brussels, Belgium.
The Place Royale forms a rectangular space of 77 by 113 meters, surrounded by symmetrical neoclassical buildings with uniform architecture.
Built between 1775 and 1782 under architects Barré and Guimard, this square replaced the former Palace of Coudenberg that burned down in 1731.
An equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon stands in the center, while multiple museums including the Magritte Museum border the square.
The square connects directly to Brussels Park and provides access to the Royal Museums of Fine Arts through several pedestrian pathways.
The Church of St. James on Coudenberg, consecrated in 1787, dominates the northern side of the square with its neoclassical columns.
Location: City of Brussels
Address: Pl. Royale, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium 1000 Bruxelles
Website: https://coudenberg.brussels
GPS coordinates: 50.84229,4.35949
Latest update: June 4, 2025 15:49
Brussels presents historical buildings, museums and parks. The city combines the Royal Palace, Grand Place, Atomium and numerous art museums. Gothic cathedrals, Palace of Justice and urban planning ensembles shape the cityscape.
Brussels offers photographers a range of architectural subjects spanning several centuries. The medieval Grand-Place forms the historic center, while Art Nouveau buildings such as the Musée Horta and Maison Cauchie document the artistic flourishing around 1900. The Atomium, built for the 1958 World's Fair, represents postwar modernism and has become one of the city's most photographed landmarks. The Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert ranks among Europe's oldest covered shopping arcades and displays the elegant construction techniques of the 19th century. The Mont des Arts connects different neighborhoods through a terraced garden with views over the old town. Parc du Cinquantenaire features neoclassical triumphal arches, while the Porte de Hal remains the last surviving medieval city gate. The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Koekelberg shows Art Deco influences in its monumental architecture. Quieter spots include the Étangs d'Ixelles, two ponds in the neighborhood of the same name, or the Forêt de Soignes, an extensive beech forest on the city's edge. Avenue Louise connects residential and commercial districts through various architectural styles. Smaller passages such as Galerie Bortier or Passage du Nord complement the major arcades. Rue des Bouchers is known for its restaurant facades, while Rue de la Cigogne features historic townhouses. Photographically interesting details include the Art Nouveau metro station Pannenhuis or the modernist Bâtiment CBR. The Château de Laeken serves as a royal residence and opens to visitors only during the annual opening of the Serres Royales. Le Botanique, a former botanical garden, now houses a cultural center. Place Royale and the adjacent Palais Royal form the political heart of the city. Smaller squares like Place Flagey offer local scenes away from the main routes.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
111 m
Musée Magritte Museum
51 m
Palace of Fine Arts
159 m
Palace of Coudenberg
70 m
Musical Instruments Museum
68 m
Old England
81 m
Old Masters Museum
125 m
BELvue
92 m
Palace of the Count of Flanders
82 m
Church of St. James on Coudenberg
68 m
Fin-de-Siècle Museum
111 m
Cinematek
206 m
Equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon
1 m
Musée Modern Museum
131 m
Abbaye du Coudenberg
105 m
Hôtel du Lotto
50 m
The Whirling Ear
134 m
Charles of Lorraine
155 m
Hôtel de Grimbergen
76 m
Hôtel des Brasseurs
60 m
Hôtel de Spangen
48 m
Portiques de la place Royale de Bruxelles
63 m
Grand Serment Royal et de Saint-Georges des Arbalétriers de Bruxelles
92 m
La Pharmacie Anglaise
131 m
Portieken en gebouwen op het Koningsplein
19 m
Jewish Steps
160 m
Vestiges de l'ancien Palais ducal du Coudenberg
110 mReviews
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