Palace of Coudenberg, Archaeological museum and palace ruins in Royal Quarter, Belgium
The Palace of Coudenberg is an archaeological site containing medieval stone passages, chambers, and foundations hidden beneath the current Royal Square of Brussels. The excavated layout reveals how different sections of the former palace were arranged underground.
The palace began in the 12th century and served as a residence for rulers of the Burgundian, Spanish, and Austrian Netherlands for hundreds of years. A major fire in 1731 destroyed the structure, leading to a new square being built over its remains.
The Aula Magna served as a royal gathering space where European rulers and diplomats conducted ceremonies and formal business. Today, visitors can sense the importance of this underground hall by observing its proportions and the care taken in its construction.
Guided tours lead visitors through the subterranean passages with professional explanations of the medieval structures. Access is through the adjacent BELvue Museum on Place Royale, where visitors can also obtain their tickets.
The original floor tiles of the Aula Magna display intricate medieval patterns that reveal the former grandeur of the interior. These tiles are among the few remaining details that demonstrate the wealth and craftsmanship invested in the palace.
Location: City of Brussels
Inception: 11 century
Architectural style: Gothic architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Website: https://coudenberg.brussels
GPS coordinates: 50.84289,4.35976
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Brussels combines baroque guild houses, neo-Gothic churches, and modern architecture. The Grand Place forms the historic center with its cobblestone square and gilded facades. The Atomium from 1958 stands in the northern part of the city, displaying the structure of a magnified iron crystal. Saint Michael and Gudula Cathedral preserves Gothic stained glass and wood carvings from the 13th century. The city holds numerous collections of European painting at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts and the Magritte Museum. The Palais de Justice sits on a hill overlooking the city, while the Royal Palace serves as the official residence of the Belgian monarchy. Parks such as Bois de la Cambre and Cinquantenaire Park offer open spaces between city districts. The Belgian Comic Strip Center and the Horta Museum document Belgian contributions to illustration and Art Nouveau design.
Musée Magritte Museum
86 m
Palace of Fine Arts
91 m
Musical Instruments Museum
63 m
Old England
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BELvue
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Palace of the Count of Flanders
149 m
Church of St. James on Coudenberg
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Cinematek
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Equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon
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Royal Chapel
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Film Museum
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Hotel Errera
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Hôtel Ravenstein
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Hôtel du Lotto
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Hôtel de Ligne
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The Whirling Ear
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Charles of Lorraine
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Hôtel de Grimbergen
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Hôtel des Brasseurs
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Statue of Augustin Daniel, Count Belliard
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Hôtel de Spangen
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Portiques de la place Royale de Bruxelles
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La Pharmacie Anglaise
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Domus Isabellae
154 m
Commemorative plaque for Pensionnat de Demoiselles
155 m
Portieken en gebouwen op het Koningsplein
85 m
Vestiges de l'ancien Palais ducal du Coudenberg
99 m
Jewish Steps
109 mReviews
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