Palace of the Count of Flanders

The Palace of the Count of Flanders is a neoclassical city palace in Brussels featuring symmetrical design with classical columns across its facade on Regentschapsstraat. The building combines multiple connected sections and wings that were added during different phases of expansion over the centuries.

The palace was constructed between 1776 and 1781 for Countess Brigitte of Tirimont-Templeuve and underwent significant renovations and expansions by various architects in the late 1800s. These modifications shaped the building into the structure seen today.

The palace reflects the period when Belgium was forming its national identity, blending architectural influences from the Austrian, French, and Dutch occupations that shaped the region. Today, this mix of styles remains visible in how the building stands as a symbol of the city's layered past.

The building now serves as the headquarters of Belgium's Court of Audit and can be reached via several transport links in Brussels. The easiest access is from Brussels-Central railway station or nearby metro stations in the city center.

King Albert I of Belgium was born within these walls in 1875, giving the palace a direct link to the country's royal history. This birthplace of one of Belgium's most important monarchs often goes unnoticed by visitors.