Photo by Ngoc Hoang on Unsplash (@nhungoc1508)
Grand Place
Bruxelles-Capitale: Région de
The Grand Place, also known as Grote Markt, is the historic central square of Brussels, Belgium, renowned for its magnificent Baroque guildhalls, the city's Flamboyant Gothic Town Hall, and the neo-Gothic King's House which houses the Brussels City Museum. Measuring approximately 68 by 110 meters, the square is entirely paved and surrounded by buildings that reflect the city's rich mercantile and political history. Originating as a marketplace in the 11th century near a fort on Saint-Géry Island, the square evolved into Brussels' political and commercial heart. In 1695, it suffered devastating damage during the French bombardment in the Nine Years' War, with only the Town Hall's façade and tower surviving. The subsequent reconstruction in a harmonious Flemish-Italian Baroque style gave the square its current breathtaking appearance. Today, the Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts spectacular events such as the biennial flower carpet, festive Christmas markets, and cultural celebrations, making it the most memorable landmark and a must-visit destination in Brussels.
ヒント: Visit the Grand Place in the early morning or late evening to enjoy its beauty without crowds. For the biennial flower carpet event in August of even years, book accommodations and tickets well in advance due to high demand. The square is pedestrian-only since 1990, enhancing the visitor experience. Discounts may be available for museum entry in the King's House. Use nearby public transport stations like Bourse - Grand-Place premetro or bus stops for easy access.
興味深い事実
- •The Grand Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.
- •The Town Hall tower is topped by a gilded statue of Saint Michael slaying a dragon.
- •The square hosts a massive flower carpet every two years in August, made up of hundreds of thousands of begonias.
- •The square was almost entirely destroyed in 1695 during the bombardment by French troops, sparing only the Town Hall's tower and façade.
- •The King's House, originally a bread market, now hosts the Brussels City Museum with extensive collections depicting the city's history.
歴史
The Grand Place originated in the 11th century as an open-air marketplace near a fort built by Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine, on Saint-Géry Island.
It was initially called Nedermerckt or Lower Market, serving as a commercial hub near the river Senne.
In the 15th century, the construction of the Town Hall began, asserting urban power during the Burgundian period.
The square was largely destroyed in 1695 during the French bombardment but was rebuilt in the following years in a Flemish-Italian Baroque style.
The 18th century saw the decline of the guilds and degradation of the square, but from the mid-19th century, restoration efforts led by city authorities revived its heritage value.
Post-World War II, the square was cleared of traffic in 1990, restoring its pedestrian character and cultural prominence.
場所ガイド
Town Hall (Hotel de Ville)1402-1455
A stunning Gothic building begun in 1402 with a 96-meter tall tower crowned by a gilded statue of the archangel Michael. It served as the political heart of Brussels and survived the 1695 bombardment largely intact.
King's House (Maison du Roi or Broodhuis)13th century origins; rebuilt 19th century
Originally a wooden bread market replaced by a stone building in 1405, later rebuilt in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century. It now houses the Brussels City Museum, featuring paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and historical artifacts.
GuildhallsLate 17th century reconstruction
The square is surrounded by ornate Baroque guildhalls rebuilt after the 1695 bombardment. These buildings represent the wealth and prestige of the medieval guilds and were constructed in a Flemish-Italian Baroque style with elaborate façades.
連絡先
電話: 02 513 89 40
