Page 65 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Brussels Bruges Ghent & Antwerp

THE UPPER T OWN  63

cupola was completed in 1849. two squares. However, in 1995,
The interior is simple and excavation work uncovered
elegant, with two large ruins of the 15th-century Aula
paintings by Jean Portaels on Magna, the Great Hall of the
either side of the transept. former palace. This was part of
the extension of the palace
started under the Dukes of
4 Place Royale Brabant in the early 13th century
and then developed under the
Map 2 E4. @ 27, 29, 34, 38, 54, 63, 64,
65, 66, 71, 80, 95. v 92, 93. q Trone, rule of the Dukes of Burgundy, in
Parc, Porte de Namur. particular Philip the Good. It was
in this room that the Hapsburg
The 19th-century cupola of Eglise The influence of Charles de emperor Charles V abdicated in
St-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg Lorraine is still keenly felt in the favour of his son, Philip II. The
Place Royale. As Governor of ruins can now be seen as part
fire of 1731 that destroyed the Brussels from 1741 to 1780, he of the BELvue Museum.
Coudenberg Palace that it was redeveloped the site once Although criss-crossed by
demolished soon after. The occupied by the Coudenberg tramlines and traffic, the Place
present church was built in the Palace along Neo-Classical lines Royale maintains a feeling of
Neo-Classical style and was reminiscent of Vienna, a city he dignity with its tall, elegant,
consecrated in 1787, although it greatly admired. cream buildings symmetrically
served several years as a Temple When the area was being set around a cobbled square.
of Reason and Law during the worked on, the ruins of the burnt- Visitors can tour the area on
French Revolution, returning to down palace were demolished foot, admiring the exceptional
the Catholic Church in 1802. The and the entire site was rebuilt as Neo-Classical buildings.

The Long Gallery features exquisite VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
late 19th-century ceiling paintings
representing Dawn, Day and Dusk. Practical Information
Place des Palais, 1000 BRU.
Map 2 E4.
Tel (02) 551 2020.
∑ monarchie.be
Open late Jul–early Sep: Tue–Sun.
Transport
@ 27, 29, 34, 38, 54, 63, 64,
65, 66, 71, 80, 95. v 92, 93.
q Trone, Parc, Porte de Namur.

Hall of Mirrors This large room is
famous for its grandiose effect
similar to the mirrored chamber at
Versailles. The ceiling is decorated
in green beetle and wing designs
by sculptor Jan Fabre.

The Empire Room

. Small White Room
Rows of 19th-century royal portraits
dominate this gilt chamber with its
large candle-lit chandeliers and late
18th-century furnishings.

062-063_EW_Brussels.indd 63 10/01/17 11:04 am