Page 92 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Brussels Bruges Ghent & Antwerp

90  BRUSSELS AREA B Y AREA

q Domaine de Laeken

In the 11th century Laeken became popular among pilgrims
after reported sightings of the Virgin Mary. Since the 19th
century, however, it has been firmly associated in the minds
of all Belgians with the nation’s monarchy. A walk around
the sedate and peaceful area reveals impressive buildings
constructed in honour of the royal location, not least the
sovereign’s official residence and its beautifully landscaped . Pavillon Chinois
parkland. More surprising is the sudden Oriental influence. Architect Alexandre Marcel
designed this elaborate build ing
The great builder, King Léopold II, wanted to create an archi­ (built 1901–9) as part of
tectural world tour; the Chinese and Japanese towers (currently Leopold II’s grand vision.
closed for restoration) are the only two buildings that came to
fruition, but show the scope of one monarch’s vision.

. Serres Royales
These late
19th-century
glasshouses are
home to exotic
trees, palms and
camellias. Open to
the public annually
in April, they are the
king’s private property.

KEY
1 Parc Royal
2 Monument Léopold stands as
the focus of the park complex and
layout. It honours Léopold I, first king
of the Belgians. Built in Neo-Gothic
style, it has a filigree cast-iron canopy
and tracery around the base.
3 Place de la Dynastie is part of
the attractive park that was once the
Royal Family’s private hunting
ground.
4 Villa Belvedere is home to
King Albert II and Queen Paola, who
stayed here instead of moving to
the Château Royal on accession
to the throne.
5 Tour Japonais
6 Domaine Royale de Laeken is
the royal estate, adjacent to the Parc
de Laeken in the city district of Laeken; Château Royal
the woodland features old magnolias The Belgian royal residence was built in the late 18th
and blooming hawthorns. century by architect-contractor Louis Montoyer following
plans by renowned French architect Charles de Wailly.

090-091_EW_Brussels.indd 90 10/01/17 10:54 am