About this experience
On a walk through the historical center of Brussels, we will not only talk about Belgian kings, or monarchs in general. Because everything interesting in Brussels is called royal: theaters, museums, the guild of crossbowmen, Saint Hubert galleries. You will get to know the palaces where the kings lived, and the churches where they were baptized, crowned, and mourned. You will also learn about chocolatiers, beer kings, and magi-kings in Christmas nativity scenes.
Program
Let's start with the Palace Square – on one side, the Brussels Park and the building of the Belgian Parliament, where in 1830 a new kingdom of Belgium was born. On the other side – the Royal Palace – the official residence of the Belgian monarchs. In summer, it is open for free visits. But at any time of the year, you can look at the palace from an unexpected point of view.
Then we will head to the Royal Square. What was it called before, and why is there a monument to the King of Jerusalem installed here? At the Petit Sablon square and near the Church of Our Lady of Sablon, we will talk about the history of Brussels at a time when the kingdom of Belgium did not yet exist, but there were plenty of kings.
Then through the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, we will head to the Mount of Arts, where we will admire the Museum of Musical Instruments (also royal, of course) in the art-nouveau style and, if the weather is nice, a wonderful view of the Lower Town. We will descend through the Mount of Arts square, which is connected to all former Belgian kings, except the very first one.
In the Lower Town, you will find:
- Saint Hubert Royal Galleries – the 'grandmother' of Moscow's GUM department store,
- Suppliers to the royal court,
- Portraits of monarchs in the most unexpected places,
- Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula,
- Two very different royal theaters, the La Monnaie Opera and the Toone Puppet Theater,
- And of course, the Grand Place – the most beautiful in the world according to Victor Hugo. Was there a king as beautiful as portrayed in the most images on the main square of Brussels?
We will end our walk at the famous Manneken Pis. What does he have to do with kings? Well, come and find out! See you in Brussels!
Who is this tour for
Everyone who wants to learn more about Brussels, especially those interested in history, architecture, and folklore.
