Grand Place of Brussels
The Grand Place or 'Grote Markt' in Brussels is one of the most attractive market squares in Europe. It is even included in Unesco's World Heritage List. Among the photogenic buildings that surround the Grand Place are the town hall, the 'Broodhuis' and several guildhalls. If you take a good look, you will notice that the town hall is asymmetrical and that its tower is not right in the centre. This has to do with the fact that different architects worked on the gothic-style building throughout the fifteenth century. The Broodhuis used to be a bakery. Nowadays, this impressive building houses the 'Museum van de Stad Brussel'. A valuable collection of statues and paintings shows the history of Brussels. Here you can also admire the large wardrobe of the famous 'Manneken Pis' statue. This chap gets a new outfit regularly.
In the old days, many professional groups formed a guild. Around the Grote Markt there are several guildhalls, among which are 'Den Cruywagen' of the gardeners guild and 'Den Sack' of the carpenters guild. Each of these guildhalls has its own interesting history. After a tour along these beautiful buildings you can take a time out on one of the terraces on the Grote Markt with a good glass of beer.
Address: Grote Markt
Postal code:
City: Brussels
