The square is surrounded by Brussels’ Town Hall, nearly forty guildhalls and other beautiful buildings from the 14th to 17th century. The 110 by 68 metre Grand Place is also home of the Flower Carpet, a bi-annual event featuring the creation of a colorful carpet design using more 700,000 cut begonias.
La Grand Place has been used as a town square since the 12th century (then called ‘Nedermarckt’), but also played a negative role in the history of the Belgian city. In the 16th and 17th century, hundreds of people have been executed on the town square for various reasons. Witches and protestants were burnt at the stake, while rebellians and other villains were decapitated. Needless to say that the the current role, as the bright center of Brussels, is much more positive.
The Grote Markt is one of those grand places. When you arrive there for the first time, you just stand in the middle and turn around to take everything in.
A few weeks ago we had dinner there. At the same place where you took the picture from, we had this view
This first time I saw the square it did take my breath away
This would be a nice view to see over lunch. We had our lunch in the street shown in the second photo on yesterday’s post.
Rebellians?
They are re-enactors of the Grenadier of the Imperial Guard and the Gendarmes of the Imperial Guard.
Their march into the Town Hall was part of the 500th Anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Waterloo.
it truly is a GRAND palace Cherie… i love your presentation….peter:)
The palace is coming soon
We were like crossing ships in the night, Cherry. My wee statue today (The Parable of the Blind) is from this neck of the woods near the Grand Place. What a great spot to take in everything. And my g’son can now say he’s been there!
I must look out for that statue the next time I visit Brussels
Is that our Mary (from the village down the mountain from the Tavern) on the balcony? It certainly looks like her, even at this distance.
The colourful uniforms are grand too. The troops with red wossnames in their hats and the Capt with a white one. You know what they say about wearing red on a Star Trek Away Team !
It looks like Mary was enjoying herself on the balcony. The enjoyment was short lived, they had to leave before the colourful troops arrived
I didn’t linger to see if the red coated gentleman met his demise…
I love that place. So many memories of my days working for the European Commission… (mad days in many ways, as might be expected from the European Commission, but good beers and eating in and around Grand Place). Thanks for the memories.
I can imagine it is a nice setting for a working environment. I am glad I brought back happy memories for you
lovely, crisp shots, CP
Thanks Ayush