Pl. Royale, Brussels Travel Guide

Place Royale, or Koningsplein in Dutch, is a majestic neoclassical square located in the heart of Brussels' Royal Quarter. This historical site was constructed between 1775 and 1782, replacing the former Palace of Coudenberg, which had been destroyed by fire in 1731. The square's design, attributed to Jean-Benoît-Vincent Barré and Gilles-Barnabé Guimard, mirrors the style of French royal squares, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of order and civic pride.The square is surrounded by significant buildings, including the Church of St. James on Coudenberg, consecrated in 1787, and several prominent museums such as the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, the Magritte Museum, and the BELvue Museum. These institutions contribute to the square's cultural importance, making it a central point for exploring Brussels' artistic heritage.At the center of Place Royale stands an equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon, a leader of the First Crusade. The statue, sculpted by Eugène Simonis in 1848, replaced an earlier statue of Charles Alexander of Lorraine. The square's symmetrical layout and neoclassical facades offer a glimpse into 18th-century urban architecture. Place Royale provides stunning views of Brussels' lower town.