Royal Palace

The history of the palace goes back to the court castle of the Burgundians and Habsburgs, which burnt down in 1731. Under various rulers and during different historical periods, the palace underwent numerous extensions and remodelling.

After Belgium's independence in 1830, the palace became the residence of the first Belgian king, Leopold I, and later his successor, Leopold II, who had the palace remodelled in the neo-baroque style. Since the death of Queen Astrid in 1935, the palace has no longer been used as a royal residence; instead, the royal family lives in Laeken Castle. Nevertheless, the palace remains the King's official residence and is used for state receptions and official duties. Today, the palace also houses a museum with a collection about the royal Belgian dynasty.