La Grand Place
Very few urban squares/piazzas will make the initial impact of Brussels' Grote Markt. It is an eye-popping beauty, pin-up poster worthy. The ornate Baroque facades of the powerful guild houses date back to the 15th century offer eye candy at every turn. The cherry of this grand square is the Gothic Hotel de Ville which opened in 1402, creates a splendid stage for...anything. this Grand Place is a "wowzer" if there ever was one.
Believe it or not, most of Brussel's intercity was bombed out by Louis XIV of France in the 1600's destroying some 5000 wooden buildings. The buildings on this square survived some of the onslaught. Could you imagine what might have been? Exquisite.
The Grand Place provides a stage and backdrop from quite a few bigtime productions: the biannual Flower Carpet (Tapis de Fleurs) takes place every other August on even numbered years and the Ommegang Pageant takes place annually in July. The Ommegang pageant is a medieval reenactment of the 1549 procession of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Both are don't miss opportunities if your plans can swing it.
While Brussels isn't a cost effective travel destination, a day trip to the Grote Markt (the Grand Place) with a wax-paper flute of Belgian fries in one hand and a draught of Duvel in the other can make for one affordably unforgettable day. Cheers.
Al, the Travel Valet
Pick of the Day(54-13-1)...Phillies
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