The "Grote Markt" or "Grand Place" is one of the most beautiful squares of Europe and the main tourist attraction of Brussels.
From the 14th century on rich patrician families and guilds built stone houses that replaced the modest wooden houses. The market turned into the main commercial and political centre of the city. The town hall (statue on the left of the photo) was built from 1402 till 1455.
On August the 13th 1695 the square was bombed to ruins by order of Louis XIV of France (a revenge for of a lost battle in Namur.
Between 1695 and 1700 the guilds rebuilt all the houses. Also the destroyed town hall was rebuilt.
Karel Buls, mayor of Brussels ordered that the houses of the Grote Markt had to be preserved in their original style.
Thanks to GregR for pointing this one out.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Brussels - Market Square - Brussel - Grote Markt
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
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