Congress Column, Victory column in Freedom Quarter, Brussels, Belgium.
Description
Congress Column is a 47-meter-tall monument in Freedom Quarter, crowned with a bronze statue of King Leopold I at its top. Its base features four bronze statues representing constitutional freedoms, alongside a memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers.
History
Belgium's National Congress ordered construction of this monument in 1850 to commemorate the creation of the Constitution from 1830–1831. It was built to preserve the founding moments of the nation's independence and democratic framework.
Culture
The eternal flame at the column's base honors Belgian soldiers who died in the World Wars, serving as a focal point for remembrance. This memorial space allows visitors to pay respect to those who gave their lives for the nation.
Practical
Visitors can climb 193 steps inside the column to reach an observation platform located below the statue of King Leopold I. The staircase is narrow, and the views from above provide a clear perspective of the city center.
Did you know?
The names of 237 members of the Belgian National Congress are carved into the column's base, alongside significant dates from the independence period. These inscriptions record the individuals who shaped the founding of the modern Belgian state.
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