Paris1972-Versailles2003

The City of Brussels or Bruxelles has lots of memories to me, and my family, This was one of the first cities we visited even before moving permanently to France as my dear late wife Martine have brother still living near the border , This made it easy to visit several times on each visit and then some more once living in my belle France, I have many post on the City and country but left out this one and as found me a picture will do this post for the memories of always in my blog! Therefore, let me tell you about the Place Poelaert of Brussels !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.

The Place Poelaert, towers 63 meters above the lower city of Brussels, serves as a gigantic forecourt for the Brussels Courthouse. The construction of an urban elevator makes it possible to quickly connect the lower town and the upper town. Measuring 155 by 50 meters, it is the largest square in Brussels. It is located on the old ravine park and the gardens of the Hôtel de Mérode, now the Cercle de Lorraine ( a business club). The buildings that line it have no particular style and are examples of the architectural errors of the 1950’s of the 20C. These office blocks then contrast with the impression given by the Themis palace which crowns it and casts its shadow there. On the Place Poelaert square were erected the National Monument to the Belgian Infantry and the Monument to the British soldiers. At number 3, the old hotel “La Régence” was built there in 1928-1929 in a simplified Louis XV style, it has a look that contrasts with the functional buildings of the rest of the square. Here too is set up the Grande Roue or Big wheel goes up to 55 meters, which totals a height of more than 100 meters on the Brussels panorama.

From 1843 demonstrated the desire to project a new square on the large historic park of the Hôtel de Mérode, the owner being a requesting party. Later in 1861, the project of the architect Josephe Poelaert will attribute in the public square a configuration relating it to the architecture of the future courthouse. Following the provisions of a competition for the future courthouse and its surroundings of March 27, 1860 this square had to have at least the dimensions of the Place Royale. From the start, the original desire was to highlight the courthouse, a monumental and exceptional architectural work by creating a framework and an environment to its measure.

This square is located to meet the majorly sociologically and culturally opposite axes: on the one hand the top of the city, rich, with the Royal route ; courthouse , rue de la Régence, Place Royale , Château de Laeken and direct connection outside with the Avenue Louise,Bois de la Cambre, on the other hand the liaison of the top and low, poor, of the city (district of Marolles) with the main constraint between these two entities, In 1897 the square was still adorned with a large flowerbed in its center, which was later deleted at the request of Léopold II because of bringing out the greatness of the courthouse. Appointed according to the architect Joseph Poelaert, the Place Poelaert square will have three different functions: the justice campus, a place of conviviality and relaxation with a superb panorama on the lower city and a claim space.

The Brussels tourist office on the Place Poelaert : https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/venue-details.Place-Poelaert.238555

There you go folks, a dandy pretty city we enjoy visiting over the years , and always looking forward for more in the future. Do take a look at my posts on the City in my blog. Again, hope you enjoy the post on the Place Poelaert of Brussels as I

And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!