The story of Grand-Place

Welcome to the heart of Brussels, a square often called one of the most beautiful in the world. It began as an open-air market on a dried-up marsh near an old fort, and a document from 1174 already mentions this 'lower market' near the port on the river Senne. In the 13th century the Duke of Brabant built covered markets for meat, bread and cloth here, partly so he could keep track of sales and collect taxes.

In 1302 a large stone fountain with eight water jets stood in front of the bread market. Then came disaster: in 1695, during the Nine Years' War, French troops bombarded the city and destroyed most of the square. Only the Town Hall's façade and tower, the artillery's target, and some stone walls survived.

The guildhalls around you were rebuilt in the following years. The square measures 68 by 110 metres, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, and in August of every even year it is covered with an immense flower carpet.