New underground tour of Coudenberg reveals story of the discovery of the palace’s ‘hidden city’

From its imposing position on the raised ground of Coudenberg and with a history dating from the 12th century, it was one of the grandest palaces in the whole of Europe.

Once home to a succession of medieval nobility, from the Dukes of Brabant and Burgundy to the powerful emperor Charles V, the resplendent Coudenberg Palace filled with sumptuous art and objects was devastated by a fire in 1731.

Some 40 years later, its ruins were demolished to build a new neo-classical square, Place Royale. It wasn’t until the 20th century that nostalgia for the city’s glorious past sparked interest in the subterranean remains of the former palace and later resulted in archaeological excavations that finally unearthed its hidden world.

Now it is accessible to the public in a new Under-Ground tour, where until 2 March visitors can freely explore the remains of the historic palace via an audio guide. The tour traces the fascinating story of the rediscovery of the lost palace and the surprise revelation of its grandeur and international importance.

With Brussels flourishing at the beginning of the 20th century under the influence of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, the urban upheaval fuelled interest in the city’s former medieval and Renaissance architecture. Belgian historian and archivist Alphonse Wauters played a key role in researching Coudenberg’s history.

It wasn’t until the rise of urban archaeology in the 1980s that large-scale excavations of the site finally revealed the grandeur and extent of the site. Not only did the walls of the 15th century Aula Magna banqueting hall and gothic court chapel survive the blaze, cellars and corridors stretched under the Place Royale.

Visitors are invited on a journey through these centuries of history, exploring the mysterious secret passages that fuelled the myth of this underground city, while listening to the urban legends that surrounded it through some 30 sound capsules.

The tour employs modern techniques and 3D reconstructions of the palace, enriched by photos, interviews and Belgian TV reports on the excavation works from the 1980s onwards.

It aims to paint an authentic picture of life at this prestigious court, once the scene of grand feasting and circus performances.

The Under-Ground tour is included in the museum entrance fee. Visitors are invited to bring their own headphones and there is free Wifi access on site.

Photos: (main image) ©Coudenberg Palace; ©Archive city of Brussels; Excavations Place Royal ©urban.brussels-MAH; ©Coudenberg Palace