Grote Markt (Mechelen)
Vlaamse Gewest
The Grote Markt, also known as Grand-Place in French, is the monumental central square of Brussels, Belgium. Established since the 14th century, it is a rectangular paved plaza measuring approximately 111 by 56 meters. Originally a marshy area on the right bank of the river Senne, it was drained and developed in the 12th century. The square has been the commercial and social heart of the city for centuries, with seven streets converging upon it. Its most famous building is the Town Hall, begun in 1402 with a 96-meter tower added in 1444, crowned by a gilded statue of the archangel Michael slaying a dragon. Surrounding the square are historic guild houses, rebuilt in a Flemish-Italian Baroque style after the 1695 bombardment, reflecting the wealth and power of Brussels' guilds. The Breadhouse, originally a 13th-century wooden bakery market, was replaced by a stone building in 1405 and later rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century; it now hosts the Museum of the City of Brussels. The square has undergone periods of decline and restoration, notably in the late 19th and early 20th centuries under Mayor Karel Buls, who championed heritage preservation. Since 1990, the square has been pedestrianized, enhancing its role as a vibrant cultural and tourist hub and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Tip: Visit the Grote Markt in the late afternoon or early evening to see the square beautifully illuminated. Purchase tickets for the Museum of the City of Brussels in advance to avoid queues. The square is best explored on foot, and guided tours are available to learn about its rich history. Avoid visiting during major public events if you prefer a quieter experience. Discounts may be available for students and seniors at the museum.
Zajímavosti
- •The Town Hall tower is topped by a gilded statue of the archangel Michael slaying a dragon.
- •The guild houses around the square were rebuilt after the 1695 bombardment in a distinctive Flemish-Italian Baroque style.
- •The Breadhouse now houses the Museum of the City of Brussels with a rich collection of art and historical artifacts.
- •Originally, the Grote Markt was a marshy area that was drained in the 12th century to create the marketplace.
- •Seven historic streets converge on the square, reflecting its role as a commercial hub.
Historie
The Grote Markt originated in the 12th century when the marshy land on the right bank of the Senne was drained.
It was originally called Nedermerckt and was renamed Grote Markt between 1777 and 1789.
The Town Hall construction began in 1402, with its tower completed in 1444.
The square suffered heavy damage during the 1695 bombardment, after which the guild houses were rebuilt in Baroque style.
The guilds were abolished in 1795 during the French Revolution, leading to the sale and decline of the guild houses.
Restoration efforts began in the mid-19th century and continued into the early 20th century, notably under Mayor Karel Buls.
The square was pedestrianized in 1990, revitalizing its cultural significance.
Průvodce po místě
Town Hall (Stadhuis)1402-1444
A Gothic masterpiece begun in 1402, featuring a 96-meter tower topped with a gilded statue of the archangel Michael. The tower is asymmetrically placed, and the building is adorned with popular sculptural decorations.
Guild HousesPost-1695
Rebuilt after the 1695 bombardment, these houses display Flemish-Italian Baroque architecture, reflecting the wealth and influence of the city’s guilds. Their facades were regulated by city ordinances to ensure stylistic harmony.
Breadhouse (Broodhuis)13th century; rebuilt 1405; neo-Gothic reconstruction 19th century
Originally a 13th-century wooden bakery market, rebuilt in stone in 1405 and redesigned in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century. It currently hosts the Museum of the City of Brussels, showcasing paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and porcelain.