Coudenberg, Brussels

Coudenberg, Brussels

The Coudenberg Hill is an archaeological site with the remnants of a grand fortified palace from the 12th century.

The Coudenberg Hill is an archaeological site with the remnants of a grand fortified palace from the 12^th century. The building was ravaged by fire in 1731, and its ruins were pulled down in 1774 for the construction of a new royal square. Excavated remains on display can be visited through the Bellevue Museum. Walk around to see the underground Rue Isabelle, the cellars of the main palace under Rue Royale, the basement under the chapel, the cellars under the magnificent Aula Magna banqueting hall, the and the Hoogstraeten House which was the Brussels residence of the Lalaing family. The Coudenberg Museum, housed in the Hoogstraeten House, displays excavated artifacts such as tiles, ceramics and sculptures.