One of the least appreciated countries in Europe (more like a well kept secret); Belgium has far more to offer the wandering tourist than just chocolate and waffles. The capital city, Brussels, is home to some extremely charming and spectacular architecture. Among the most stunning is the area known as Grote Markt or Grand Place. A magnificent mélange of structures, some dating from as early as the 1300s, pepper this delightful landscape and make it a truly wonderful place to immerse oneself in the beauty and history of this tiny but vibrant country. With both public and private entities making their home in Grand Place, there is plenty for the well schooled traveler to see and do here.
Like Belgium itself, Grand Place is a wonderful mix of artistic and architectural styles (e.g., Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV) that reflect on the many cultures that make up this country. One of the highlights here is Brussels Town Hall. A fantastic Gothic structure built in the early 1400s, it is regal to behold. Some of the more interesting artistic flourishes include the statues of saints and fabled heroes, the most fantastical of which is a 16 foot tall figure of Michael the Archangel in a battle with a gigantic dragon sitting atop the Town Hall’s spire. Surrounded by former and current guild halls, many visitors and locals come here simply to absorb the amazing beauty of the city while sipping a beer on one of the fabulous terraces.
Begun in 1971 and held every two years in August since 1986, the Brussels Flower Carpet decorates the square with thousands upon thousands of colorful begonias. Covering 19,000 square feet, magnificent images are “painted” with a rainbow of flowers. Each year a new theme is incorporated, from French Tapestries, to the Flemish Renaissance, to Art Nouveau stained glass the carpets are at once both imaginative and ephemeral drawing many people to Grand Place to see once in a life time works of art. When not filled with flowers, Grand Place plays host to a variety of cultural events, concerts, folk festivals, and much more. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, Grand Place is finally beginning to get some of the recognition it deserves. A hub of art, beauty, fine food, wonderful brews, and amazing history Grand Place is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to see the heart of Europe.
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