Brussels is a treasure-trove of heritage gems. The purpose of the "Brussels, City of Art and History" series is to make them accessible to those who wish to discover them.

Anecdotes, previously unpublished documents, historic illustrations, comments and thoughts on town planning, architecture and artistic aspects - a feast of material to whet the appetite of the reader and the visitor.

The old palace of Coudenberg

Since mediaeval times, Coudenberg hill has been home to the reigning princes and the central administration of the Low Countries. The palace developed for over 800 years around the mediaeval main building with the construction of a majestic reception hall, the Aula Magna, the Place des Bailies and the Ducal chapel. A focus of intense political and cultural life, the history of the old palace of Brussels is intimately bound up with that of Europe as a whole.

In 1731 a fire destroyed this royal residence, which was among the finest in Europe. The archaeological digs have brought to light many remains that tell us about life at court from the Burgundian period to the present day. The archaeological site is now a museum... under the Place Royale.