The Palace on the Coudenberg, pure Elegance

(c)Visit Brussels

Stroll across Place Royale, where the palace of Brussels once proudly stood, and uncover stories in the heart of the capital of Brussels' wealth and grandeur. Dive into Belgium’s rich past at the BELvue Museum, or explore the medieval underground passages of the Coudenberg Palace ruins.

A Graceful Witness to Brussels’ Past

Place Royale is located at the top of the Coudenberg. It offers a glimpse into the remnants of the fabulous Palace of Brussels, and is currently home to the BELvue Museum, a row of neoclassical buildings, Brussels Park, and the current Royal Palace of Brussels.

Though the original palace is long gone, its stories live on, as the foundations and underground cellars still remain. These can be visited today, and pair perfectly with a stop at the BELvue, a museum dedicated to the history of Belgium. A stroll through the enormous Brussels Park will immerse you in the grandeur of times gone by. The focal point of the square is the majestic Royal Palace of Brussels, the official working residence of the King, and open to the public in the summer. Together, this area forms a stunning historic ensemble, a living witness to Brussels' lavish past.

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1,000 Years of Grandeur

The story of Place Royale spans nearly a thousand years. In the Middle Ages, the palace of Brussels stood proudly on top of the Coudenberg , It was one of Europe’s most spectacular princely residences. From the 13th century, the Dukes of Brabant established Brussels as their political stronghold. Over time, the palace became a hub of diplomacy and aristocratic entertainment. It was further expanded under the reign of powerful Emperor Charles V. The palace also welcomed notable figures, such as Count Egmont, a loyal servant of the Spanish crown, who was a frequent guest.

Unfortunately, this magnificent palace met a tragic end during a fateful night in 1731. Maria Elisabeth of Austria, then Governor of the Netherlands, returned home exhausted and went to bed, but forgot to extinguish her candles. The resulting fire raged through the night, and by the morning much of the palace had been reduced to ashes.

In the 1770s, the entire royal quarter was redesigned. The ruins of the old palace and many surrounding buildings were cleared. In their place, the Place Royale we know today was erected, surrounded by neoclassical buildings and the stately Brussels Park.