Does this paved expanse feel grand? It should. This is the Place des Palais. It is also known as Paleizenplein. Both names mean Palaces’ Square. This major square sits in Brussels’ Royal Quarter in Belgium.
Created in 1827, the Place des Palais is one of four thoroughfares around Brussels Park. The others are Rue de la Loi, Rue Ducale, and Rue Royale. The square is quite large. It measures 70 by 350 metres. It is entirely paved offering a clean modern appearance.
To the north, the Place des Palais meets Brussels Park. The Royal Palace of Brussels flanks its south side. The Academy Palace stands to the east. To the west is the BELvue Museum. The square is accessible. Brussels-Central railway station is nearby. Metro stations Parc and Trône also serve the area.
The history of the Place des Palais connects closely to the Royal Palace. Originally, this area was a valley. The Koperbeek stream cut through it. This valley separated the Palace of Coudenberg from the Warande. The Palace of Coudenberg was an old complex dating back to the Middle Ages.
In 1731, the palace burned down. The area remained abandoned until Brussels Park was developed. From 1776, arteries were laid out around the park. One of these was the Rue de Belle-Vue. This street was the origin of today’s Place des Palais. Part of the valley was filled to create it.
Rue de Belle-Vue was narrower than the current square. It ended with a bend at each end. Its name meant Beautiful View Street. It offered a panoramic view west towards the city. In 1827, the location of the new Royal Palace was decided. The square was renamed Place des Palais. The name is plural because the Academy Palace was built near the Royal Palace.
Brussels lacked a royal palace worthy of the name. King Leopold II transformed it in 1904. He widened the Place des Palais. This created a formal front garden. It features gilded railings, gates, and balustrades. The square expanded at the expense of Brussels Park. Its lowlands were partially filled. This gave the square its current look.
The tramway tracks disappeared. Many bus lines now cross the Place des Palais. These are diverted during important events. The Royal Palace is the most important building on the square. It occupies the entire southern side. It is the official palace of the King and Queen of the Belgians. The Royal Family does not live here. They reside at the Royal Palace of Laeken. The first part of the present-day building dates from the late 18th century. The grounds were once part of the Palace of Coudenberg. The current façade was built after 1900 by King Leopold II.
Brussels Park lies on the opposite side of the square. This park is rectangular. It measures over 13 hectares. It contains around sixty sculptures. These are inspired by Greco-Roman mythology. There are two water basins with fountains. Monumental railings and gates adorn the park. Two bandstands host shows in the summer. The park’s middle axis aligns with the Royal Palace and the Belgian Federal Parliament building. These buildings symbolize Belgium’s system of government. It is a constitutional monarchy.
The Academy Palace stands at the eastern end of the square. It is neoclassical. It was built between 1823 and 1828 for Prince William II of Orange. Today, it houses five Belgian academies. These include the Royal Academies for Science and the Arts of Belgium.
The former Hôtel Belle-Vue is at the western end. It was built in 1776-77 by Philippe de Proft as a luxury hotel. The BELvue Museum occupies it now.
The Place des Palais is the site of official ceremonies. On Belgian National Day a military parade and celebrations happen here. The royal family attends. The event ends with fireworks.
The Place des Palais is also a place of mourning. In 1993, crowds gathered after King Baudouin’s death. People paid their respects to the king.
The Place des Palais has become a festive venue. It hosts concerts during various festivals. These include the French Community Day and the Iris Festival. The Brussels Summer Festival also takes place here. In 2010, the Tour de France peloton departed from the Place des Palais.