A newly refreshed Place Royale has officially reopened to the public, marking the end of an extensive renovation aimed at reclaiming one of the Belgian capital’s most historic spaces for pedestrians.
City authorities say the project transforms what had become a congested and vehicle-dominated junction into a safer, calmer and more welcoming square at the heart of Brussels.
The reopening was celebrated alongside the launch of the annual Bright Brussels Festival, making the cultural event the first to take place in the fully refurbished setting.
For decades, the square functioned largely as a busy roundabout, with traffic taking precedence over people. Before the works began, only 20 percent of the surface was allocated to pedestrians, while vehicles dominated the remaining space.
That imbalance has now been reversed. According to the federal-regional infrastructure body Beliris, traffic has been concentrated into a clearly defined corridor, freeing up roughly 85 percent of the square for walkers and visitors.
“The redevelopment has profoundly transformed this space,” the agency said in a statement, adding that the new layout improves safety while highlighting the architectural character of the surrounding façades.
The square occupies a symbolic place in Belgian history. It was here that Leopold I was inaugurated in 1831, an event widely regarded as the birth of the modern Belgian state.
Despite its historic importance, modern traffic patterns gradually eroded the pedestrian experience. Residents and heritage advocates had long called for changes that would restore the site’s dignity and accessibility.
The €6.3 million renovation introduces benches, upgraded paving and discreet street furniture designed to blend with the surroundings. The seating, carved from the same blue stone used in the pavements, echoes the horizontal lines of the neoclassical buildings framing the square.
Project designers — engineering firm Sweco, landscape architects West 8, and Belgian specialists Cerau — worked closely with the City of Brussels and heritage authorities to ensure the redesign remained faithful to the square’s original layout.
As a result, visible changes are subtle. Apart from new bollards marking the roadway and modern lighting elements, much of the transformation lies in the reallocation of space rather than dramatic architectural interventions.
A significant portion of the work took place underground. The square sits above the archaeological remains of the Coudenberg Palace, once a grand residence for European rulers.
Engineers reinforced waterproofing and structural protection over the ruins to safeguard the centuries-old site from water damage and long-term deterioration. The measures aim to preserve the remnants for future generations and ensure continued public access.
The palace famously hosted Charles V, among other historic figures, before it was largely destroyed by fire in the 18th century. Today, the surviving remains are a major cultural attraction beneath the square.
During construction, workers also continued a local tradition by hiding written messages and wishes within the site, a symbolic gesture captured by filmmaker Sarah Vanagt for a forthcoming documentary.
The project includes a new lighting scheme that will illuminate the façades at night, extending into nearby landmarks such as Bozar, the Musical Instruments Museum, and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Officials say the lighting will enhance safety while creating a cohesive visual identity across the cultural district.
For residents and visitors alike, the renewed square signals a broader shift in urban planning priorities, where pedestrians, heritage and public life take precedence over traffic flow.
As people gathered on opening night beneath the festival lights, the space once again felt like a civic plaza rather than a crossroads — a transformation many hope will endure for decades to come.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
