Coudenberg, Brussels — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Beneath the elegant Place Royale lies one of Brussels' best-kept secrets: the ruins of the Palace of Coudenberg, a royal residence that served counts, dukes, archdukes, kings, emperors, and governors from the 12th to the 18th century. The palace grew from a 12th-century military stronghold into an elaborate residential complex. When Brabant was annexed by Burgundy after 1430, Philip the Good commissioned the Aula Magna, a gigantic reception hall for royal ceremonies. Emperor Charles V, arguably the most powerful ruler in Western history, personally oversaw major expansions in the 16th century, making Coudenberg one of Europe's grandest palaces. Then, on February 3, 1731, a catastrophic fire broke out in the kitchens and consumed everything. Artwork, governmental archives, and centuries of accumulated splendor were destroyed in hours. The ruins sat desolate for over 40 years until 1774, when Prince Charles Alexander of Lorraine proposed building the Place Royale on top of the rubble. The new square was constructed between 1775 and 1782, burying the palace foundations beneath a neoclassical grid of streets and buildings. For over two centuries, Brusselers walked above the palace without knowing what lay beneath their feet. Today, the BELvue Museum provides access to the excavated ruins. Descending underground, you walk through foundations, walls, and artifacts from different periods of occupation. It is one of the most atmospheric archaeological experiences in Europe. A Questo quest through Brussels can lead you from the polished streets above to the buried palace below.