Palazzo Reale di Bruxelles
Brussels
The Royal Palace of Brussels is the official workplace of the King of the Belgians. It stands opposite the Parc de Bruxelles, on place des Palais.
From the old palace to the new
For centuries, not far from here, stood the great palace of the dukes. After the fire of 1731 a new district was built, with the square and the park. The royal palace was created by joining several large houses from that time.
Today's façade
In the 1800s and the early 1900s the palace was greatly enlarged. That is how it got the long, pale, perfectly symmetrical façade you see. In front lies a garden with neat flowerbeds.
The state rooms
Inside there are marble staircases, a throne room and a large gallery for official dinners. The grand staircase has white marble steps and a green marble banister. In the throne room the floor is made of oak and precious woods, and the chandeliers are of gilded bronze. In another hall, carved angels dance and play music among the gilding.
An open palace
The King works here every day with his staff, and receives foreign guests and ambassadors here. But by tradition, for a few weeks each summer, the doors open to everyone. Many families come from all over the country to see it.
