The Star, Baroque building at Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés, Brussels, Belgium
The Star is a baroque building at Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés featuring three asymmetrical bays with composite pilasters and a triangular pediment crowned by a golden star. The facade displays rich details typical of the periods in which it was constructed and modified over time.
The building developed over several centuries, first serving as a postal coaching station during the 18th century that connected Brussels to France, Luxembourg, Germany, and Switzerland. In the 20th century it underwent renovation and later received protected heritage status.
The building displays architectural features from multiple construction periods between the 17th and 19th centuries, reflecting how styles changed over time. Its facade tells the story of evolving tastes and craftsmanship techniques applied across generations.
The building sits near Brussels Central Station and is easy to reach for visitors exploring this historical structure and its surroundings. The central location makes it a practical stop during a walking tour of the city.
The golden star crowning the gable is not merely decoration but gave the building its name and makes it a recognizable landmark on this Brussels square. Many visitors overlook this detail even though it immediately catches the eye when entering the square.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.