The Grand Place is one of the main squares in the Belgian capital.
The Grand Place, which is currently located in the very "heart" of tourist Brussels, is deservedly considered one of the most magnificent squares of the Old World. The buildings built on all sides of the square are stone objects made by qualified specialists and are unsurpassed examples of architecture around the world.
Before the trip, many tourists book a car in Belgium online in order to get a favorable rental rate, see more sights and not depend on tour groups. At Zaventem Airport, the cost of renting a compact class car is from 15 euros per day, at Brussels Charleroi Airport - from 17 euros per day. When renting for a longer period, you can get a discount.
History
The trading area appeared in the XII century on the territory where there used to be a swampy area. In the next century, the Bread House was built here, the main purpose of which was the storage of bread products. In the future, this building was called the "King's House". An interesting fact is that in the Dutch language even today the more ancient name (“Bread House”) is preserved. At the same time, in French, this building is called the "King's House". In the first half of the 15th century, a Gothic-style town hall was built, which has been preserved until the modern era.
At the end of the 17th century, as a result of intensive shelling of the Belgian capital by the French army, the city was practically wiped off the face of the earth. In the area of the square, only the building of the city hall miraculously did not suffer, and the King's House was also partially preserved.
But after the end of hostilities, the square was quickly restored by wealthy citizens. As a result, she got a look that is extremely close to modern.
A legend has survived to this day that tells about the circumstances of the appearance of this attraction. In accordance with it, one fine day, the French ruler Louis XIV was so tired of stories about the splendor of Brussels that he decided to personally come to this place. When the king arrived in the city, his surprise knew no bounds. By his standards, Brussels was actually better than the capital of France. As a result, the ruler was overcome by exorbitant envy and rage. Further, he ordered his troops to destroy the city to the ground with the help of fiery projectiles. However, the Belgians are a hardworking and stubborn people at the same time. The townspeople invested a lot of effort and money and quickly restored their beloved city, and along with it the square.
Thus, the Grand Place is the only medieval square in Europe, the architectural ensemble of which was carefully planned.
To the present time, the buildings, in the premises of which merchants and artisans belonging to various associations actively worked, are located exactly in a row. However, the most outstanding architectural creations on the territory of the square can rightfully be called the capital's town hall and the King's House.For the last 50 years, several times a year, the entire territory of the capital square has been decorated with a beautiful field of begonias. About 700,000 flowers specially grown for this purpose are stacked in a rectangular shape and used to decorate this attraction for several days.Every guest of the Belgian capital will definitely appreciate this attraction.