Place Royale & Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg, Brussels (Belgium)

Description

Location: Brussels, Belgium
Taken on: November 13, 2022
Format: JPEG
File size: 6.8 MB
Dimensions: 4000 x 3000 pixels
DPI: 300
Photographer: Andrey Kashukov, Cyprus

Photo can be used in posters, brochures, magazines, websites, blogs, business cards, applications, social media branding, packaging, postcards, notebooks, invitation backgrounds, flyers, banners, badges, stickers, collages, booklets, illustrations, etc.

Photo can be used in applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, Adobe Express, Adobe After Effects, GIMP, Photopea, Krita, Pixlr E, Pixlr X, Paint.NET, Affinity Photo, Corel PaintShop Pro, CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, Capture One Pro, Luminar Neo, Pixelmator Pro, ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate, Affinity Designer, Procreate, Sketch, etc.

Grandeur of Brussels: Place Royale & Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg

Capture the timeless elegance of Brussels with this stunning photograph of Place Royale, featuring the majestic Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg church and the equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon. Taken on a beautiful autumn day, this print brings the heart of Belgium’s capital directly to your home or office.

Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Brussels with this exquisite fine art print. This captivating photograph, taken on November 13, 2022, beautifully showcases the iconic Place Royale (Royal Square), a true architectural gem in the heart of Belgium’s capital.

The focal point of the image is the grand Church of Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg, an impressive neoclassical masterpiece with its imposing facade, prominent columns, and the distinctive clock tower crowned with a cross. The church stands proudly, embodying centuries of history and artistic splendor.

In the foreground, the heroic equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon commands attention, adding a sense of historical gravitas to the scene. His presence evokes tales of medieval crusades and the rich heritage of the region.

The image perfectly captures the serene atmosphere of Place Royale on that particular autumn day, with the soft light illuminating the elegant white buildings and the subtle hints of the surrounding urban landscape. The composition draws the eye, inviting you to explore the intricate details of the architecture and the vibrant spirit of Brussels.

This high-quality print is perfect for anyone who cherishes travel, European history, or elegant architectural photography. It will serve as a sophisticated addition to any living room, office, or study, offering a daily reminder of the beauty and grandeur of Brussels.

Key Features:

• Authentic Brussels Scene: A genuine photograph captured on November 13, 2022, in the heart of Brussels, Belgium.
• Iconic Landmarks: Features the Church of Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg and the Statue of Godfrey of Bouillon at Place Royale.
• Versatile Decor: Ideal for home, office, or commercial spaces, adding a touch of European elegance.
• Perfect Gift: A thoughtful gift for travel enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone with an appreciation for fine art photography.

Category: Travel Photography, Brussels, Belgium, Cityscapes, Architecture, European Cities, Wall Art

Place Royale (Royal Square) in Brussels

Place Royale is a prominent neoclassical square located in the heart of Brussels, Belgium, forming a crucial part of the city’s “Royal Quarter.” It’s an architecturally consistent and monumental public space, designed to evoke a sense of grandeur and historical significance.

Key features:

• Neoclassical Design: The square was built between 1775 and 1782, replacing the former Palace of Coudenberg, and was part of a larger urban planning project that included the adjacent Brussels Park. It’s characterized by its rectangular, symmetrical layout (measuring 77 by 113 meters) and the uniform neoclassical facades of the surrounding buildings.
• Surrounding Buildings: The square is flanked by elegant buildings, many of which now house museums and institutions. These include:
  • Musée BELvue: A museum dedicated to the history of Belgium.
  • Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium: A complex of museums housing extensive art collections.
  • Museum of Musical Instruments (MIM): Housed in the stunning Art Nouveau “Old England” building, which is visible from the square.
  • Other notable buildings include former hotels (like the Hotel du Lotto, now the Magritte Museum, and the Hotel des Brasseurs).
• Equestrian Statue of Godfrey of Bouillon: At the center of the paved square stands the equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon, a key figure in the First Crusade. The statue, inaugurated in 1848, adds a heroic and historical element to the square.
• Historical Significance: Place Royale has witnessed significant historical events. It was on the steps of the Church of Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg, facing the square, that Leopold I took his constitutional oath to become the first King of the Belgians in 1831.
• Urban Hub: Today, Place Royale remains a significant urban hub, connecting various important areas of Brussels and serving as a gateway to the Mont des Arts, offering panoramic views of the city. There are ongoing efforts to redevelop and enhance the square, including updating its lighting and preserving its historical paving.

Church of Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg

The Church of Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg is a Roman Catholic church that dominates the eastern side of Place Royale. It is a striking example of neoclassical architecture and holds significant religious and historical importance:

• Neoclassical Architecture: The church was consecrated in 1787 and designed by Gilles-Barnabé Guimard, following designs by Jean-Benoît-Vincent Barré. Its facade features an imposing portico with large columns and a triangular pediment. Above this, there’s a chamfered attic surmounted by a balustrade and an octagonal wooden bell tower, topped by a copper dome and a lantern. The interior, designed by Louis Montoyer, is characterized by its plain, sober, and solemn neoclassical style with impressive Corinthian columns.
• Royal Parish and Military Cathedral: Since 1986, the church has served as the cathedral of the Military Ordinariate of Belgium, and it is also recognized as a “royal parish church.” It has historically been linked to the Belgian monarchy, with royal baptisms and funerals having taken place there.
• Long History: The current church replaced earlier religious structures on the Coudenberg hill, including a chapel associated with the ducal castle. A church presence on this site is attested as far back as the 12th century.
• Interior Features: The interior houses notable works of art, including two large paintings by Jean-François Portaels and a neoclassical tribune organ from 1844.
• Accessibility: The church is an active place of worship and also offers guided tours, making it accessible to visitors interested in its history and architecture.

Together, Place Royale and the Church of Saint-Jacques-sur-Coudenberg form a magnificent and historically rich ensemble that is central to Brussels’ identity.