A magnificent Royal Destination - Town Hall of Brussels, capital of Belgium

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royal destinations Belgium Brussels Town Hall
Brussels Town Hall - own picture

Let's take a closer look of the royal history of this magnificent Town Hall of Brussels.

royal destinations Belgium Brussels Town Hall
The Left wing and oldest part of the Brussels Town Hall



Some Royal History

In 1420 the eldest part of the Brussels Town Hall, which is the left wing, facing the front, was built under the direction of Jacob van Tienen.

However soon this place became too small and already in 1444 the first stone of the new wing was laid by Charles the Bold, then count of Charolais, later duke of Burgundy.

The facade of the Brussels Town Hall is decorated with many statues, they represented the saints, nobles and allegorical figures.

On top of the Tower of the Town Hall there is a statue of archangel Michael.

royal destinations Belgium Brussels Town Hall
The Tower of Brussels Town Hall
with archangel Michael on top

This tower was built in typical Brabantine Gothic by Jan van Ruysbroeck, the court architect of Philip the Good, duke of Burgundy (father of  Charles the Bold).

By 1454 the Tower, which replaced an older Belfry was completed.

During the 19th century there were huge renovations and the works started in 1840 (after the independence of Belgium from the Netherlands).

At the start of World War I, the Town Hall of Brussels served as an hospital. On 20 August 1914, the German flag was risen on the Brussels Town Hall.

On 9 March 1936 the Brussels Town Hall was known as an historical monument and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A visit

In 2017, I had the change to visit this wonderful building inside with a tour. It really was amazing to visit a place with such a great history.
royal destinations Belgium Brussels Town Hall
Brussels Town Hall - own picture
Location: Brussel, België

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