Crypt of the Martyrs' Square, Brussels Travel Guide

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Discover a serene historical site in Brussels, commemorating the heroes of the Belgian Revolution of 1830 and their fight for independence.

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Crypt of the Martyrs' Square

The Crypt of the Martyrs' Square, located beneath Brussels' Place des Martyrs, commemorates the heroes of the Belgian Revolution of 1830. Designed in a neoclassical style, the square and crypt serve as a reminder of Belgium's fight for independence and a final resting place for over 400 revolutionaries.

A brief summary to Crypt of the Martyrs' Square

Pl. des Martyrs, Brussels, Pentagone, 1000, BE
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Crypt of the Martyrs' Square.

Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a quieter experience.
Take time to read the inscriptions and learn about the history of the martyrs.
Combine your visit with a walk around the nearby cafes to experience local Belgian culture.

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Explore Crypt of the Martyrs' Square on the Map

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Getting There

Walking

From Brussels Central Station, the Crypt of the Martyrs' Square is approximately a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and walk northwest on Rue de la Madeleine. Continue straight, then turn left onto Rue des Fripiers, leading directly to the square. No costs are associated with this route.
Public Transport

Take Metro Line 1 or 5 to the 'Parc' station. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the square. Exit the station and head northwest on Rue de la Loi, then turn onto Rue des Sablons, and finally onto Place des Martyrs. A single metro ticket costs around €2.10.
Bus

Use bus line 29 or 63 to get to the 'Place des Martyrs' stop. The bus stop is close to the square. A single bus ticket costs around €2 - €3.

Discover more about Crypt of the Martyrs' Square

The Crypt of the Martyrs' Square is a significant historical site in Brussels, Belgium, honoring the heroes of the Belgian Revolution of 1830, which led to the country's independence from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. The crypt is located beneath the cobblestones of Martyrs' Square (Place des Martyrs), originally named Place Saint-Michel.The square was designed by French architect Claude Fisco and completed in 1775 in a neoclassical style. Initially, it served as a residential area for affluent citizens. Following the revolution, the Provisional Government decided in 1831 to transform the square into a national commemoration site. The crypt was constructed in 1838 as a solemn and dignified memorial.Inside the crypt, a central chamber features a large sarcophagus surrounded by niches containing the remains of the martyrs. The monument to the Martyrs of the 1830 Revolution, also known as the Pro Patria Monument, was erected between 1836 and 1838. Carved by Guillaume Geefs, it includes a statue and crypt. Today, Martyrs' Square is home to cabinet offices of the Flemish Government and the Théâtre des Martyrs. The square provides a calm refuge from the bustling city.