Immediately after, which I gave the most uninteresting attraction of Brussels, I decided to go in my stories to Grand Place - the place that was my beloved in the capital of Belgium, so that there are Belgium, perhaps, this is one of the most beautiful areas in all of Europe. I often in the reports of other tourists noted indulgent and sometimes critical attitude towards Brussels, but in my opinion, even one Grand Place justifies visiting this city.
The emergence of Grand Place in its modern form we owe the king-sun. One of the episodes of the nine-year-old war was the siege of Brussels. In the bombardment of the city by the French in 1695, hundreds of buildings were destroyed, including the Grand Place was almost completely destroyed, only the town hall was survived. But already in a few years later, the area was restored. More precisely, she was built up for a new single plan, all the buildings of the guilds were erected in the popular style of the Flemish Baroque.
I am a famous potato, without a map at the beginning of the story I feel like the Pisa Tower without a foundation. Therefore, I will lay down the location of buildings on the square and then I will use the numbering from this Grand Place card.
I will start with the most impressive structure on Grand Place Square - Town Hall.. The Gothic Town Hall was erected in the 15th century. This is the only one who survived the building on Grand Place. I was very happy when I learned that the Town Hall Building Real (well, almost), and not built in the 19th century imitation of gothic, as, say in or Vienna.
This photo shows that the building is asymmetrically. According to the legend, the architect who discovered asymmetry after the completion of construction, in despair jumped from the tower on the bridge. Not really. Initially, only the left part (10 windows) was built, then the shorter (7 windows) of the building was completed to it.
The rich sculptural decor of the facade of the Town Hall is already the 19th century. Here you can meet the images of many saints, the dukes of Brabant, riders, Gorguli, the heroes of various legends. The statue of the Patron of Brussels Archangel Mikhail, who wins the Soton of the Dragon rises on the tower spiel.
According to legend, Saint Michael Archangel saved from the death of the son of Lambert II Graph Leena. True, I don't know what kind of Henry and Rainier, according to Vicky, Lambert had two sons. In my brief overcast, the story is as follows. The heir of the graph fell in love with a girl. The girl was undoubtedly worthy, but the son of the column in his wife was not suitable because of lower origin. In addition, the young man himself did not like her. Then he occurred a brilliant thought - to kidnap the maiden. But his plan failed and the heir was jailed and they were going to execute soon. There was a change in the female heart, the girl changed his mind about the fan of the victim because of her and went to jail. After a date, she began to pray to God to save the Son of the graph and, as it turned out, quite successfully. God was touched by prayers and sent Archangel Mikhail to make a young man's escape from prison. Further young lovers, I hope, got married, as it should be in legends. And in gratitude for the wonderful salvation, the count announced Archangel Michael to the holy patron of the city.
I can not tell you what events are displayed on this console. But if you are on the square, then try to find on one of the consoles over the lion's porch legend about Judge Herkenbalde. The judge captured his own nephew for rape of a certain maiden. And the scene of the murder, and the scene of the loss of honor is colorfully, if you can put it on the sculpture, depicted in stone.
The picture borrowed. By the way, a very interesting magazine about Brussels, I recommend. And the console itself is located at this lion in the picture below, under which two girls are sitting, smoking jamb for two (yes, on main Square, This is Amsterdam Brussels).
In the town hall, you can only get along with the excursion, they are not so often passing, I think the schedule will find on the Internet. I personally decided to skip this event. All, another photo of the lion's porch of the Town Hall and finishing on it.
Go to the next building for the Grand Pla House of Dukes Brabantsky (13-17). No dukes here lived here, but the facade decorate their busts, as many as 19 pieces, - hence the name. In fact, this is not one house, but as many as seven, united under the same roof. Over the door is installed a guild symbol that belonged to the house. From these images and the names of houses occur. I am not a lover to shoot the details, so you can, when you will find images yourself (from the right edge): Glory (13), Heritage (14), Good luck (15), Mills (16), Pot (17), Hill (16) 18) and stock exchanges (19).
Every even year in August, Grand Plas is covered with a carpet of color. Look in the journal of my Franc:
http://platpaul.livejournal.com/310394.html
We missed this spectacle, because were 2015, i.e. odd. But still a little flowerfish on the square caught. Sold out the remains of last year's carpet?
Go to the next side of the area, perhaps the most picturesque. Let's start with the right edge. The widespread building belonged to the Guild of Bowls. Called it King Spanish (1), on the facade between the second and third floors, Karl II bust, King of Spain installed. The roof of the house of the Spanish king is crowned with a fluger with Mercury. On the first floor there is the most famous café of Grand Place Square, which is also called "King Spanish", at a minimum, I recommend going and drink beer.
Next building S. funny name "Truck"(2) belonged to the guild by the oil trader (or fat? Translator from French from me so-so).
Building " A bag"(3) owned vehicle guilders.
"Wolf."(4) referred to the archery guild. The fronton (triangular garbage under the roof) decorates the bas-relief of Apollo, piercing the arrows (immediately the archery guild is how-no) Python. Cick-Khe, Travel-bloggers, who I read it, it's no one Snake, and the most real dragon. The ponyph guarded the entrance to the Delphian privilet, and he himself could do, from his behalf of Pythia (the matrix I think everyone watched). Under Pyfhon and Apollo there are four medallions with Roman emperors: Trian, Tiberius , August and Julia Caesar. Go to the floor below and see four statues - Allegoria Truth, Lie, Peace and Discharge. Over the door - image of the Capitol Wolf, who gave birth to the house. Warld the roof of the Phoenix statue - the symbol of the revival of Grand Place and Brussels after wars and destruction.
"Horn"(5) the only house for appearance Which one can determine which guild it belongs. Look at the last floor. Guess? That's right, it's the feed of the ship! And therefore, the guild of boatmen settled here. On the floor below, the facade is decorated with tritons statues and sea horses. Above the entrance to the building shows a postal horn.
And, completes the side of the guild houses " Fox"(6). Here was the center of guild guiladers. As you already understood, a gold-plated fox figure is installed above the door. Just do not ask what foxes have a haberdashery. However, it applies to other guilds. The first floor support Atlanta. On the second The facade decorate the statues depicting four continents: Europe, Asia, Achnika and America, in the center - Statue of Justice. The third supports the Caryatids, and the statue of St. Nicholas is installed on the roof, the patron saint of these merchants (now on the restoration).
You will surprise, but when I walk around the city, then I will take care of everything, as I will then describe my walk in the magazine. Whether I am a normal blogger, I, of course, would like every detail of the guild houses, about which I wrote above so that the story would be better illustrated. But this time I still captured something. I hope, in this form, the details of the lush decor will be a little better to consider. In the picture below the house "Bag" (with the Caryatids, i.e. semi-column in the form of auple) and "Trolley".
Statues of continents on the facade "Fox". In the center - justice with a giant sword. Atlants that support the balcony are also good.
Allegorical statues on the facade of "Wolf". On the right with sagging tits - the troubled, then with the scroll (why?) - The world, not true, aims in tourists in some kind of stone, and the extreme left really keeps the book (but does not read it clearly), at the same time, the least Fast four.
At night on the Grand Plas, the elegant backlight, I came here almost every evening in Brussels the benefit of Grand Place is located on the way from our hotel to the famous Delllirium.
The beauty is incredible, I think.
I was in Brussels four evenings (returning from trips around the neighborhood) and one full day, and every time I went to the Grand Place, so do not be surprised by the number of identical pictures at different times of the day.
The next side is five more houses. On right " Star"(8) - one of the most narrow houses of Grand Place. Its roof is decorated with a golden six-pointed star. On the first floor there is a gallery in which the lying (then laid, probably a monument to Everrard T" Serclaes. Just below I will write about it in more detail.
"Swan"(9) - most high building On this side. A rather contrasting building, the first floors are very strict, then the higher, the more the fantasy of the architect. In fact, a house was built in several stages, in the 18th century he bought him a rich guild of butchers and apparently decided to tune the building under his meaty taste. In the "Swan" Karl Marx, who has lived in Brussels for five years, celebrated the new 1848th year. In some reports on Grand Place, I met the statement that he lived here and even wrote his "capital" here, but it is not.
"Golden tree"(10) - the most magnificent and useful house of the five. Why useful? Yes, because this is the house of the guild of brewers! The roof is decorated with the statue of Charles Alexander Lotarian governor of the Netherlands. As the governor deserved the good glory to the wise and mild government. As a person was strict, but Not angry and leaving. Lover to live and a subtle connoisseur and lover of art. He patronized well-known musicians. What apparently, and earned a gold statue.
"rose flower"(11) and" Mountain Tabor."(12) Not allocated for nothing, but also pleasant.
Let's take a little closer to consider the roof "Swan" and "Golden Tree". On the roof "Swan" have three angels, under the central inscription "This house built wool." I am not quite, confessing, I figured out where the butchers had, whose guild belonged to "Swan", got wool, it seems like waste production.
The lights and lights began to burn lights. And, despite, at some reason, the building began to look comfortable and keen.
Gallery at home "Star". See on the left of the pictures of the Japanese? And a little bit behind them is monument Everard T "Serclaes. This resident of Brussels in the 14th century was headed by the liberation of the city from the plaminists occupied by his. The monument is located on the spot where there was a house in which Everrard died. The statue of the dying knight is made in the style of Italian Renaissance than in due time I indignant some critics, allegedly this anachronism, because the hero of Brussels lived in the times of Gothic, so the monument should have been made gothic.
Also on the monument depicted three scenes from the history of Brussels. It's funny that, at a minimum, in three places the author of the monument beat the nickname of Brussels as " eaters Kuritz"(Well, they loved the inhabitants of the city to use this bird in the finished form before): a woman drags a cart with a poultry, the cook holds a chicken, a mug with the inscription" Curishes "in his hands.
Tradition demands from tourists to rub his arm, knee or dog at the foot of the knight, at the same time it is necessary to make a desire that must be fulfilled. Allegedly, this custom originated during the occupation of Brussels by the Germans during the First World War, so residents of the city demonstrated their patriotism (hmm).
Brussels turned out to be rich in objects included in the list World Heritage UNESCO. There were three such here. But the most visited is the former market, the central square of La Grand-Place.
It is visited practically, if not all coming to the capital of Belgium at all. Many do not even suspect that this area is separately allocated by a respected international organization. Nevertheless, in 1998, La Grand-Place was included in the list of UNESCO objects at number 857.
The official website of UNESCO comments on the inclusion of the area to its list:
"La Grand Place Square in Brussels is an outstanding holistic complex of public and private buildings dating mainly, mainly end of XVII at. Their architecture brightly illustrates the level of social and cultural life Brussels as an important political and shopping center Europe of that time "(whc.unesco.org/en/list/857)
Well domineering english language can still read a lot on the UNESCO website, I will allow myself a short historical excursion and several photos of objects that form this architectural ensemble.
UNESCO defines La Grand-Place as the monument of the 15th century. It is this century that the construction of a majestic gothic town hall is dating, which is fully preserved, and determines the face of the entire complex of buildings.
The town hall began to be built in 1402, and acquired its final form in 1455 with the completion of the construction of the bell tower, 96 meters high. This is the only surviving building of the Brussels center after the artillery shelling by the French in 1695. Town Hall to this day sometimes performs the functions of the mayor's residence, but more used for tourist excursions.
An even more ancient structure, however, partially destroyed in the same 1695, and later restored, is the bread house or the King House (Netherl. Broodhuis, Fr. Maison du Roi)
The bread house was built in the 13th century on the market, there were baked and sold bread. But during the reign of Emperor Karl V at the beginning of the 16th century, the house was rebuilt in the Gothic style. Since then, he was talking about how about the "King House". So still has two equivalent names. Now there is the Museum of Brussels, in which more than five hundred suits of the "Pissing boy" costumes are enjoyed, the first, fully preserved suit of which, was donated by the French king Louis XV in 1747.
The rest of the buildings wearing the common name "Guild Houses" were rebuilt here for four years in various guilds of Brussels immediately after the destruction of the city center at the end of the 17th century.
Those in the morning October 6, 2014, when I did photo-cooling this material, was overcast. But, I think it will not hurt to leave about the area of \u200b\u200bthe most "bright" impressions ... For a greater impression, you can see how brightly and contrasting the same place the night before the night cities ... Central Square Brussels + Bonus
P.S. I will add a few words to the last photo of the monument of the everard "t serclaes - a folk hero of Brussels. (For those who wish to find out who I give the link en.wikipedia.org/wiki/eveRard...) I noticed how many tourists are in line to touch, And it is better to lose any part of the body of the sculpture. Something it necessarily means, and I also lost.
It turned out that the local believe that the statue brings good luck and helps in the fulfillment of desires, if it is touched before it (zealous tourists are already rubbed). And, if you touch the hands, then you will definitely come back in Brussels ...
Grand Place (Belgium) - description, history, location. The exact address, phone, website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.
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As opposed to the frivolity of the main symbols of the city, the Grand Place Square, in the immediate vicinity of which the pissing boy is located, is rebuilt in a strict Gothic style.
Most city excursions begins with Market Square. Grand Place is not only the largest and most beautiful Square of Brussels, but also one of the most beautiful areas in the world. In the 13th century, trading rods were noisy here, holidays and knightly tournaments were arranged, Suknunni worked and jerseen. Z.
Every even year, Grand Place is decorated with a floral carpet - an amazing spectacle to which tens of thousands of tourists flock.
Buildings around the square were destroyed in 1695 during the French siege, but later restored on a carefully thought out plan and began to look even better. The facades of houses are decorated with skilled carvings, garlands, figurines and columns. Each of the old buildings has its own name, for example, "Wolf", "Trolley", "Lisenok". Closes the ensemble of the area of \u200b\u200bthe Guild Building.
The Plaza Plaza Square is one of the main avenues of the Belgian capital, located in the heart of the megapolis and proud of its unique attractions. From this famous place it is worth starting tours of the city, because according to legend, it is this platform that marked the beginning and development. In addition, it is not only valid, but also the historical center of the capital.
Grand Plaz Plaza Square in Brussels: the history of creation
The history of the famous antique square began in the XII century, when numerous swamps were dried on its future territory. For several subsequent centuries, the infrastructure of the structure was erected:
- In the XIII, the famous bread house appeared or, as it is also called the "House of the King"
- In the XV century, the left side of the Town Hall was built.
The end of the XVII century became detrimental for the Gran Plas, because during the attack of the French from a well-groomed modern platform, solid ruins were left, only the town hall was survived, which lost only sculptures on the facade and the monument of St. Michael on top of the tower.
After the end of hostilities, the area was quickly reconstructed thanks to the participation of rich guilds. Most of the buildings resembled Louis XIV style, and also were performed in architectural style baroque. The type of area of \u200b\u200bthose times is predominantly preserved to the present day.
In 1998, the architectural ensemble of the Central Square was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Modern Grand Place Square in Brussels It is a unique architectural memo, which is very popular among tourists and residents of the capital. It strikes with its unusual architecture, as well as posted on its expanses with historical structures, built during the Middle Ages:
1) Brussels Town Hall is a beautiful metropolitan building, built in the XV century and intended for the work of the city administration. Over time, the office of the capital was moved to another building, however, Megapolis measures continue to work in a historic structure. Despite the fact that the head of the city continues to sit in the township, it is possible to estimate the luxury of its interiors during group excursionswhich are held throughout the entire hours of two days a week.
The inner decoration of the structure resembles the royal chambers, since with its modeling, expensive materials were used, decor elements with gilding, as well as elegant tapestries. No less awesome can be considered the facade of a building having an asymmetric form and decorated with numerous statues of rulers and saints sculptures.
2) Bread House (or House of the King) is an old building, which, despite its second name, not a single day was used for the work of monarchs. It is often referred to as a record holder among structures, repeatedly changed their appearance and purpose. So, in the history of the construction, its functions are known:
- In the XIII century, the building was used as a warehouse for bakery
- A few years later, it was transformed into a place to keep criminals.
- Then the Duke of Brabantsky was redeemed and played the role of his personal tax service, and then became the name of the ruler.
- After the conquest of Brussels, the French of the Duke began to call the house of the people, which, because of the endowment of the governors-strangers, royal privileges were renamed the King House.
Nowadays, the city museum is located in a historic building, the exposition of which is the work of Belgian craftsmen, who worked in various historical epochs. Among the exhibits of the cultural institution, you can find both stunning tapestries, and interesting paintings, and even modern reconstruction historic Center cities.
In addition, on the Gran Plas, for about 30 years in a row from August 15 for several days you can see the parade of colors that resist the avenue, as if a fluffy multicolored carpet.
Square Gran Plas: How to get there?
Square Gran Plas is located In the very center of the Belgian capital, so you can get to it by several types of transport:
- trams
The main prospect of the city follows routes number 3, 4, 31, 32, which stop at the Bourse stop.
- buses next to Stop Parlement Bruxellois (№48 and 95)
Also nearby are Metro De Brouckere Metro Station.
Last winter in 2013 fell a happy incident to visit Belgium in December, for Christmas, which is considered one of the main holidays Western Europe, Including Belgium. And, of course, my excursion was not without visiting the main square of Brussels. La Grand Place in winter turns into a real fairy tale in the dressed up with a Christmas tree, with illuminated around the entire perimeter. Not only tourists, but also the Belgians themselves come to look at this magic.
That year, Light Show was organized. It lasted throughout December. Every day it was possible to come, but only at a certain time (I was there at 5 pm), and enjoy this fairy tale. Organ music was broadcasting throughout the area and went into nearby streets, and the multicolored illumination itself poured the entire area with its overflows. I saw this for the first time in my life, and, I must say, was very surprised and rashrogan, you seem to merge with the medieval.
On the entire perimeter of the area there are cafes. There you can always drink a cup of hot coffee and relax - watch, sitting and enjoying hot coffee, much more pleasant than just standing and watching the square. I will not lie, the price of coffee on the square is different from ordinary cafes in Belgium. 3 or 3.5 euros, although there will be 2 euros on the next street coffee. But it's nice, since the Belgian chocolate tile is always brought to coffee, or Leonidas candy, mini-cookies or muffin.
Last winter in 2013 fell a happy case to visit Belgium in December, for Christmas, which is considered one of the main holidays of Western Europe, including Belgium. And, of course, my excursion was not without visiting the main square of Brussels. La Grand Place in winter turns into a real fairy tale in the dressed up with a Christmas tree, with illuminated around the entire perimeter. Not only tourists, but also the Belgians themselves come to look at this magic.
That year, Light Show was organized. It lasted throughout December. Every day it was possible to come, but only at a certain time (I was there at 5 pm), and enjoy this fairy tale. Organ music was broadcasting throughout the area and went into nearby streets, and the multicolored illumination itself poured the entire area with its overflows. I saw this for the first time in my life, and, I must say, was very surprised and rashrogan, you seem to merge with the medieval.
On the entire perimeter of the area there are cafes. There you can always drink a cup of hot coffee and relax - watch, sitting and enjoying hot coffee, much more pleasant than just standing and watching the square. I will not lie, the price of coffee on the square is different from ordinary cafes in Belgium. 3 or 3.5 euros, although there will be 2 euros on the next street coffee. But it's nice, since the Belgian chocolate tile is always brought to coffee, or Leonidas candy, mini-cookies or muffin.
Last winter in 2013 fell a happy case to visit Belgium in December, for Christmas, which is considered one of the main holidays of Western Europe, including Belgium. And, of course, my excursion was not without visiting the main square of Brussels. La Grand Place in winter turns into a real fairy tale in the dressed up with a Christmas tree, with illuminated around the entire perimeter. Not only tourists, but also the Belgians themselves come to look at this magic.
That year, Light Show was organized. It lasted throughout December. Every day it was possible to come, but only at a certain time (I was there at 5 pm), and enjoy this fairy tale. Organ music was broadcasting throughout the area and went into nearby streets, and the multicolored illumination itself poured the entire area with its overflows. I saw this for the first time in my life, and, I must say, was very surprised and rashrogan, you seem to merge with the medieval.
On the entire perimeter of the area there are cafes. There you can always drink a cup of hot coffee and relax - watch, sitting and enjoying hot coffee, much more pleasant than just standing and watching the square. I will not lie, the price of coffee on the square is different from ordinary cafes in Belgium. 3 or 3.5 euros, although there will be 2 euros on the next street coffee. But it's nice, since the Belgian chocolate tile is always brought to coffee, or Leonidas candy, mini-cookies or muffin.
Last winter in 2013 fell a happy case to visit Belgium in December, for Christmas, which is considered one of the main holidays of Western Europe, including Belgium. And, of course, my excursion was not without visiting the main square of Brussels. La Grand Place in winter turns into a real fairy tale in the dressed up with a Christmas tree, with illuminated around the entire perimeter. Not only tourists, but also the Belgians themselves come to look at this magic.
That year, Light Show was organized. It lasted throughout December. Every day it was possible to come, but only at a certain time (I was there at 5 pm), and enjoy this fairy tale. Organ music was broadcasting throughout the area and went into nearby streets, and the multicolored illumination itself poured the entire area with its overflows. I saw this for the first time in my life, and, I must say, was very surprised and rashrogan, you seem to merge with the medieval.
On the entire perimeter of the area there are cafes. There you can always drink a cup of hot coffee and relax - watch, sitting and enjoying hot coffee, much more pleasant than just standing and watching the square. I will not lie, the price of coffee on the square is different from ordinary cafes in Belgium. 3 or 3.5 euros, although there will be 2 euros on the next street coffee. But it's nice, since the Belgian chocolate tile is always brought to coffee, or Leonidas candy, mini-cookies or muffin.
Last winter in 2013 fell a happy case to visit Belgium in December, for Christmas, which is considered one of the main holidays of Western Europe, including Belgium. And, of course, my excursion was not without visiting the main square of Brussels. La Grand Place in winter turns into a real fairy tale in the dressed up with a Christmas tree, with illuminated around the entire perimeter. Not only tourists, but also the Belgians themselves come to look at this magic.
That year, Light Show was organized. It lasted throughout December. Every day it was possible to come, but only at a certain time (I was there at 5 pm), and enjoy this fairy tale. Organ music was broadcasting throughout the area and went into nearby streets, and the multicolored illumination itself poured the entire area with its overflows. I saw this for the first time in my life, and, I must say, was very surprised and rashrogan, you seem to merge with the medieval.
On the entire perimeter of the area there are cafes. There you can always drink a cup of hot coffee and relax - watch, sitting and enjoying hot coffee, much more pleasant than just standing and watching the square. I will not lie, the price of coffee on the square is different from ordinary cafes in Belgium. 3 or 3.5 euros, although there will be 2 euros on the next street coffee. But it's nice, since the Belgian chocolate tile is always brought to coffee, or Leonidas candy, mini-cookies or muffin.
