Koningsplein

The Koningsplein, also known as the Place Royale, is a historic neoclassical square in Brussels' Royal Quarter. It was built between 1775 and 1782 to designs by the French architects Jean-Benoît-Vincent Barré and Gilles-Barnabé Guimard, replacing the ruins of the former Coudenberg Palace. The rectangular, symmetrically laid-out square, which is fully paved, is considered one of the oldest and most architecturally uniform public squares of its kind from the 18th century. At its center stands an equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon, commemorating the leader of the First Crusade. The facade of the neoclassical Church of St. Jacques-sur-Coudenberg provides another striking focal point. The square is lined with a series of pavilions and porticoes in the Louis XVI style, which now house various cultural and government institutions.

For visitors, the Koningsplein offers direct access to some of the city's most important museums. The BELvue Museum, the Magritte Museum, and the Musical Instruments Museum (MIM) all sit right at the edges of the square. Beneath the paving stones lie archaeological foundations, including the remains of the Aula Magna of the old palace, which can be visited through the BELvue Museum. The surrounding area is also home to other sights such as Brussels Park, the Royal Palace, and the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, all within walking distance. Historically, the square served as the stage for important political events, including the oath of office taken by Belgium's first king, Leopold I, in front of the church in 1831.

The square's architecture is subject to strict protection regulations in order to preserve its historic appearance. While much of the space was once given over to motor traffic, redesign projects are currently under way that aim to significantly increase the share of pedestrian zones. The goal is to improve the atmosphere of the square with wider sidewalks, new lighting, and better emphasis on the facades, while retaining the historic natural stone paving and lanterns. These measures are intended to re-establish the Koningsplein as a stately and inviting public space in the heart of the Belgian capital.