Discovering Brussels’ hidden history: The Coudenberg Palace revival

Lailuma Sadid
Credit: Belga Image

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Brussels’ Coudenberg Palace, home to nobles like Charles V from the 12th to 18th centuries, was devastated by a fire in 1731. The “Under-Ground” tour now reveals its history through modern technology, featuring 3D models and audio guides, aiming to educate visitors about its rich past.

Between the 12th and 18th centuries, Brussels was home to a grand palace where many noble figures, including the Dukes of Brabant and Emperor Charles, lived and celebrated. This palace was known for its lavish parties and performances. However, in 1731, a devastating fire destroyed much of it, leaving only the chapel walls, the main hall, cellars, and foundations standing for 40 years.

What secrets does the “Under-Ground” tour uncover about Coudenberg Palace?

In 1776, the ruins of the old Palace on the Coudenberg were cleared to build the Koningsplein, which celebrated 25 years of Charles of Lorraine’s rule. Interest in the palace’s history grew again in the early 1900s, leading to big exploration in the 1980s. Now, people can visit the palace’s remains using an audio guide called the “Under-Ground.” Annelies Stalpaert, a communications officer for the Coudenberg Palace, wants to share this hidden history with everyone in Brussels and beyond.

“With the Under-Ground tour, we want to explore how the Coudenberg Palace was rediscovered,” says Stalpaert. The tour features 3D models of the palace, photos, and old reports from the 1980s excavations. Visitors are guided through the ‘hidden city’ to see what life is like there. “We use modern techniques and discoveries from the dig to create a real picture of life in and around the palace,” adds Stalpaert.

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Lailuma Sadid is a former diplomat in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Embassy to the kingdom of Belgium, in charge of NATO. She attended the NATO Training courses and speakers for the events at NATO H-Q in Brussels, and also in Nederland, Germany, Estonia, and Azerbaijan. Sadid has is a former Political Reporter for Pajhwok News Agency, covering the London, Conference in 2006 and Lisbon summit in 2010.
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