With its magnificent 14th-century Gothic Town Hall and the richness of the Baroque buildings that surround it, the Grand’Place is a perfect site for exploring the origins of Brussels. Our visit will also lead us down its neighboring small streets, and we will discover not just its famous Manneken Pis, but also those distinctive places where the heart of old Brussels beats – old cafes, and alleys where we will find old brasseries and bakeries. Of course, 19th bourgeois Brussels will also be present on our visit, especially its Bourse (Stock Exchange) and in its covered passages, or Galeries Royales, whose arched glass ceilings were an innovation in Europe.
Places and topics covered
1: Grand' Place : history, "Maison du Roi", old decorated houses, 2: Town Hall, 3: Evrard Tsèrclaas statue and its history, 4: Manneken Pis fountain, 5: Church of Saint-Nicolas, 6: Brussels Bourse, 7: Old Café (1695): "Au bon vieux temps", 8: Saint-Hubert Royal Galleries, 9: Church of la Madeleine
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Informations
Author: Stéphane Colin Departure point: Center of the Grand’Place Arrival point: The church of La Madeleine, rue de la Madeleine Access: Metro station (about a 10 minute walk): "Gare Centrale"