Grand-Place, Medieval square in Pentagon district, Belgium
This spot forms a rectangular open area roughly 110 by 68 meters, surrounded by multistory buildings with decorated facades and gilded details. Cobblestones cover the entire ground, and historic structures stand close together on all four sides.
The surrounding buildings originated in medieval times as a market location and were rebuilt by guilds within a few years after destruction in 1695. The new structures received elaborate decorations and gilded ornaments that remain visible today.
The name translates directly to big square, and the space now serves as a meeting point for locals and visitors who stroll between the facades or sit at outdoor terraces. On some evenings you hear street musicians, and small groups gather to photograph the lit buildings.
Access works best through several nearby metro stations, including Central Station and Bourse, each a short walk away. The square remains open around the clock, with most visitors arriving between late morning and evening.
Every two years in August, volunteers lay a giant flower carpet made of more than 500,000 begonias in geometric patterns across the entire surface. The installation lasts only a few days and draws thousands who view the colored design from surrounding balconies.
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