Grand-Place, World Heritage Site square in Brussels, Belgium
The Grand Place encompasses a central square measuring 68 by 110 meters, enclosed by Gothic and Baroque guild houses and the municipal town hall.
In 1695, French troops under Marshal de Villeroy extensively damaged the square during a bombardment, leading to a complete reconstruction within four years.
The Brussels Town Hall and surrounding merchant guild houses represent the economic and architectural achievements of medieval Brabantine Gothic and Baroque styles.
The square functions as a pedestrian zone and contains the Brussels City Museum, which displays historical artifacts and documents about municipal development.
Every two years in August, over 500,000 begonia flowers create an enormous decorative carpet covering the entire central square.
Location: City of Brussels
Architectural style: baroque architecture, Gothic architecture, Gothic Revival, Flamboyant
Elevation above the sea: 30 m
Length: 110 m
Width: 68 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Grote Markt, 1000 Brussel, Belgium 1000 Bruxelles - Brussel
Phone: +3225138940
Website: https://brussel.be/grote-markt-van-brussel
GPS coordinates: 50.84671,4.35254
Latest update: November 27, 2025 16:26
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.
Hôtel de Ville de Bruxelles
71 m
King's House
38 m
Everard ’t Serclaes memorial
46 m
Brussels City Museum
34 m
Brussels Christmas tree
5 m
Maison du Roi d'Espagne
54 m
Maison du Pigeon - De Duif
37 m
The She-Wolf
58 m
House of the Dukes of Brabant
55 m
Maison de l'Arbre d'Or - Den Gulden Boom
57 m
The Swan
57 m
Maison du Cornet
58 m
The Golden Boat
42 m
The Wheelbarrow
50 m
Maison du Renard
63 m
Visit Flanders
62 m
Maison du Sac
58 m
The Star
47 m
Maison de la Rose
57 m
Maison du Paon - Den Pauw
44 m
Belgian Brewers Museum
54 m
Charles Buls memorial
40 m
Maison du Cerf
56 m
Maison du Moulin à vent - De Windmolen
64 m
Maison du Petit Renard et du Chêne
57 m
Maison de la Fortune - De Fortuine
58 m
Maison de l'Ange
34 m
The Golden Merchant
34 mReviews
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