Maison du Cornet, Baroque house on Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés in Brussels, Belgium
The Maison du Cornet is a baroque residence situated on Place de la Vieille Halle aux Bles in central Brussels. Its stone exterior features three ground-level openings and carries maritime decorative details throughout, giving it a distinctive character among the surrounding buildings.
The building was constructed in 1696 under the direction of Antoine Pastorana as part of Brussels' recovery following the 1695 French bombardment. The house represents the rapid rebuilding efforts that transformed the city after the military destruction.
The name refers to a guild associated with maritime and merchant trades, reflecting Brussels' commercial past. The nautical motifs carved into the facade served as a sign of the building's connection to those professions.
The house sits on a central square in the old town, easily accessible on foot from nearby streets. Multiple metro stations are located within walking distance, making it convenient to reach from anywhere in Brussels.
The year 1696 is inscribed directly into the stone facade, marking the exact date of its reconstruction. This visible date serves as a tangible reminder of when this specific building rose from the ashes of the bombardment.
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