Place Royale, Breathtaking views from Brussels' historic heart

Pl Royale Sablon

A small square next to the palace

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Introduction

The Royal Square is a famous square located in the Coudenberg area of Brussels, Belgium. The site was originally the Coudenberg hill, where a castle, palace and ducal castle were all built. Today, it is one of the highest hills overlooking the Senne River. In the center of the square stands a bronze statue of Godfrey of Bouillon, leader of the First Crusade, with 9 neoclassical buildings surrounding it. The east side features the Church of Saint Jacques-sur-Coudenberg (behind which is the Royal Palace of Brussels), while the southwest side features the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, including the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Modern Art (behind which is the Palace of Charles of Lorraine). The northwest side consists of buildings in the same style (behind which is the Museum of Musical Instruments, which was previously the old English department store in the Art Nouveau style), and the northeast side is home to the BELvue Museum and more.