Royal Palace of Brussels

Standing before the majestic facade of the Royal Palace of Brussels, we are confronted with the official residence of the Belgian constitutional monarchy. While the King and Queen actually live at the Royal Castle of Laeken on…

As we walk along the perimeter of the palace, let us examine the intricate details of the facade that King Leopold the Second commissioned at the end of the 19th century. Leopold wanted a palace that could rival the grandest…

Stepping inside (if you are visiting during the summer opening) or imagining the interior, the Throne Room is the heart of the palace's ceremonial life. Commissioned by King Leopold the Second and designed by Alphonse Balat, this…

One of the most surprising and controversial rooms in the palace is the Mirror Room. While the architecture is traditional, the ceiling is a startling work of contemporary art titled 'Heaven of Delight,' created by the Belgian…

Another gem within the palace is the Goya Room, so named because it houses several magnificent tapestries based on cartoons by the Spanish master Francisco Goya. These tapestries were a gift from Queen Isabella the Second of…

The Grand Staircase of the Royal Palace is an architectural marvel designed to impress visitors the moment they enter. Built during the reign of Leopold the Second, it is constructed from various types of Belgian and Italian…

While the palace itself is a masterpiece of the 19th century, its foundations are built upon the history of the Coudenberg Palace, which stood on this hill for six hundred years. As we look at the surrounding gardens and the…

As we conclude our exploration of the Royal Palace of Brussels, we reflect on its role as a living monument. It is more than just a beautiful building; it is a functioning organ of the Belgian state and a symbol of national…