The geographical, historical and commercial heart of the city, the Grand Place is the first port of call for most visitors to Brussels. This bustling cobblestone square remains the civic center, centuries after its creation, and offers the finest surviving example in one area of Belgium’s ornate seventeenth century architecture. Open air markets took place on or near this site as early as the eleventh century, but by the end of the fourteenth century Brussels’ town hall, the Hotel de Ville was built, and city traders added individual guild houses in a medley of styles.

In 1695, however, two days of cannon fire by the French destroyed all but the town hall and two guild facades. Trade guilds were urged to rebuild their halls to styles approved by the Town Council, producing the harmonious unity of Flemish Renaissance buildings here today.

The mansion du Roi was first built in 1536 but redesigned in 1873. Once the residence of ruling Spanish monarchs, it is now home to Musee de la Ville, which includes sixteenth century paintings, tapestries, and the 400 tiny outfits of Manneken Pis.

The Hotel de Ville occupies the entire southwest side of the square. Still a functioning civic building, Brussels’ town hall is the architectural masterpiece of the Grand Place.