It’s no myth: beneath the cobblestones of Brussels lies a vanished palace. Where the solemn Place Royale now stands, a network of galleries and rooms steeped in centuries of history lies hidden . Follow us as we plunge into a forgotten world, for an unusual visit between imperial ruins and corridors from another time… This is the Palais du Coudenberg.
A palace of lost glory, buried by time
Beneath the quiet elegance of Place Royale, Brussels hides a little-known part of its history: that of a palace that was, for centuries, the center of power. The Coudenberg was no ordinary castle: it was the residence of the Dukes of Brabant, and later of Charles V, one of the most powerful sovereigns in European history. Transformed over the generations, this imposing complex included apartments, state rooms and even a chapel. In 1731, a brutal fire left it in ruins. Rather than rebuild, the city covered it up… literally. Centuries passed. The palace is forgotten.
A labyrinth under the city, rediscovered stone by stone
Meticulous excavations by archaeologists have brought back to life what the city had buried. Today, a discreet entrance to the BELvue museum plunges you into this parallel world for an unusual visit. And the contrast is immediate: you leave behind the light and noise of the city to sink into secular silence. Original cobblestones, Gothic vaults, thick walls: everything seems frozen, as if protected in a time capsule. Rue Isabelle, a perfectly preserved medieval artery, runs through the premises like a common thread. Here, every stone tells the story of a time when Brussels was the scene of major European decisions.
An immersive visit between shadows, stones and stories
A visit to the Coudenberg today is like exploring a historical film set. We walk along the foundations of the Aula Magna, the immense ceremonial hall where Charles V abdicated. You’ll discover the kitchens, huge enough for royal banquets. Projections, soft lighting and interactive elements bring these ruins to life without betraying them. For the curious, themed tours delve deeper: court life, construction techniques, or even night-time torchlight strolls! This isn’t just an underground museum, it’s a sensory and historical journey a stone’s throw from the city center.