Brussels

Brussels' Grand-Place brings together the city's municipal and mercantile history in a compact architectural ensemble. Its buildings include the Gothic Town Hall, guild houses and the King's House, now occupied by the City Museum. Much of the square was reconstructed after French bombardment in 1695, with the rebuilding coordinated by the municipal authorities. The richly decorated guild houses express the standing of the corporations that occupied them, while later restorations also contributed to the square's present appearance. Inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1998, the Grand-Place illustrates how commerce, civic authority and architectural patronage shaped the centre of Brussels.