hkskyline's 2024 in BRUSSELS

[hkskyline]

My first visit to Brussels was all the way back in 2005 but grey skies dampened my spirits. Grand Place was stunning but I vowed to return to see it under more sunny weather. That promise arrived in November 2024, and it was spectacular. I came back a few times to see it both during the day and at night to soak in the architecture.

This former marsh was drained in the 12th century to become a market and home to the guilds. The Hotel de Ville was built here in the 15th and turned the square into a government centre as well. However, much of the medieval architecture was destroyed by the French bombardment in 1695 and rebuilt in the Baroque style.









La Maison des Ducs de Brabant is a set of 6 guildhouses that look like an Italian palace.













The Hotel de Ville is the town hall, with a 96m spire soaring high above with a statue of St. Michael killing the devil at the top. Dating from the 15th century, the town wanted to build a home fit for its wealth.













There are more beautiful buildings lining the rest of the square.















With only 3 days, I had a little more time to explore the historic centre and do a day trip. There are a number of grand churches here worth going in for a peek.





























This city has a heavy political presence being home to the EU. They have a museum with plenty of technology and interactive displays to showcase its role, relevance, and functions.































More photos on my website : https://www.globalphotos.org/brussels.htm