Domaine de Laeken, Royal estate in Laeken district, Belgium
Domaine de Laeken is a large royal estate in Brussels that features English-style gardens, artificial lakes, a golf course, and numerous buildings. The grounds contain the impressive Royal Greenhouses alongside distinctive structures including a Chinese Pavilion and a Japanese Tower.
The estate originated between 1782 and 1784 as a residence for the governors of the Habsburg Netherlands. Following a major fire in 1890, King Leopold II oversaw significant reconstruction and expansion of the palace.
The Royal Greenhouses showcase an impressive collection of plants from around the world, representing centuries of royal horticultural passion. Visitors can sense how the Belgian monarchy has long valued the cultivation and display of rare botanical specimens.
The Royal Greenhouses are open only during a short period in April and May, when the botanical displays are at their peak. It is worth checking in advance for exact opening dates, as the seasonal schedule varies from year to year.
The estate contains two extraordinary buildings: a Chinese Pavilion and a Japanese Tower, reflecting the royal passion for exotic 19th-century architecture. These rare structures date from an era when Far Eastern design styles captivated European collectors and nobility.
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