Page 20 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Brussels Bruges Ghent & Antwerp

18  INTRODUCING BRUSSELS

Brussels’ Best: Architecture

Reflecting Brussels’ importance in the history of northern
Europe, the city’s architecture ranges from grand medieval
towers to the glittering post-modern structures of
European institutions. With a few examples of medieval
Brabant Gothic still on show, the capital of Europe has the
best Flemish Renaissance architecture in the world in the
Baroque splendour of the Grand Place, as well as elegant Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
Neo-Classical churches and houses. The quantity and Begun in 1905 and only
quality of Art Nouveau (see pp22–3), with its exquisite completed in 1970, this huge
interiors and handmade features, are highlights of 19th- Art Deco edifice is the world’s
fifth-largest church (see p89).
and 20th-century residential building. The cutting-edge
designs in the Parliament Quarter brings Brussels’ Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
pantheon of architectural gems up to date. 2km (1 mile)

BLVD E. JACQMAIN LAAN JARDIN BOTANIQUE
BLVD DU
KRUIDTUINLAAN

THE LOWER CHAUSSEE DE LOUVAIN LEUVENSESTEENWEG
TOWN
Grand Place
RUE A. DANSAERT STR.
Almost entirely rebuilt by merchants after R U E R OYA L E K O N I NG SST R A AT
French bombardment in 1695, this cobbled
square is one of the world’s best Baroque
ensembles (see pp46–7).
KORTENBERGLAAN
TOWN
Palais de Justice BLVD D E REGEN T L A AN R U E DE LA LOI WET S TRAAT THE UPPER AVE DE CORTENBERG
Bigger in area than St Peter’s in BOULEVARD M. LEMONNIER LAAN
Rome, the city’s law courts PLACE ROYALE AVE DE LA
were built in Neo-Classical KONINGSPLEIN ROND PONT RENAISSANCE LAAN
R. SCHUMAN
style using the profits of RUE B ELL IAR D S TRA AT PLEIN
colonialism, and com pleted
RU E HAUTE H OOGSTRAAT RUE DU TRONE TROONSTR. NERVIERSLAAN
in 1883 (see p73). AVE DES NERVIENS

BLVD DE WATERLOO LAAN

Porte de Hal
This imposing 14th-century
tower is the only remaining
trace of the city’s solid, thick
second perimeter wall. It owes 0 metres 500
its survival to its use as an 0 yards 500
18th-century prison and
latterly as a museum (see p87).

018-019_EW_Brussels.indd 18 10/01/17 10:53 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Flashmap template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.2)
Date 7th January 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm