Expo UNDER-GROUND: The revealed palace
Thousands of people pass through Place Royale on the Coudenberg in the heart of Brussels every day. Few realise that history was written just a few metres beneath their feet, in hidden rooms and corridors. A temporary exhibition will tell you all about it.
In the 11th century, princes resided there, and by the 15th century, it housed the dukes of Burgundy. However, it was only in the early 16th century that the Coudenberg Palace became the lavish court of the powerful ruler of the world, Charles V. In the grand Aula Magna, or State Room, Charles V declared his coming of age in 1515, assuming full sovereignty, and abdicated in favour of his son, Philip II, in 1555. It was here that governors were appointed, significant marriages were celebrated, and other grand events and festivities took place, ensuring a display of pomp, splendour, and entertainment. On the night of Saturday 3 February 1731, an unattended candle in the private quarters of the governess caused a fire that largely reduced the palace to ashes. It was only in the late 18th century that the rubble was concealed beneath the newly constructed royal quarter.
In the early 20th century, Brussels began to uncover the history of its underground Coudenberg Palace through archival documents. Since the late 20th century, archaeological excavations have revealed remains that are currently on display until 2 March 2025 in a new exhibition. Highlights include the Aula Magna, chapel, living quarters, kitchens, staircases, peepholes leading to the vaults below, authentic floor tiles, and even a black fire line on a section of wall from that fateful winter day in 1731. Definitely worth a visit!