From left to right: Mont Tabor, Rose, L’Arbre d’Or (golden tree) – brewers, Le Cygne (swan) - butchers, L’etoile (star)
Now you’re talking, Brussels! This beautiful cobblestone square makes up for all the bland concrete development throughout the rest of the city.
Back in the 11th century, Grand Place began as a market in the dried-up marshes near the River Senne.
In the 13th century, three indoor markets were built that offered meat, bread and cloth. In the 14th century, wealthy merchants and powerful guilds built Baroque and Gothic-style houses around the edge of the square. Everyone from bakers and greasemakers to boatmen and archers were represented. All was going so well, then the French came.
In 1695, Louis XIV of France was upset about Dutch and English warships destroying his French coastal towns. So, he did what any great leader did and ordered his troops to bombard Brussels. The resulting damage was severe, but within four years the Grand Place was completely restored to its original layout and appearance. Today, most of the buildings are shops or restaurants.
From left to right: Le Renard (fox) - haberdashers, Le Cornet (horn) - boatmen, La Louve (She-Wolf) - archers, Le Sac (Bag) - cabinetmakers, La Brouette (Wheelbarrow) - grease makers, Maison des Boulangers - bakers
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