Brussels history

The history of Brussels, like many ancient European cities, is rooted in the early Middle Ages. Its formation is the result of a successful combination of geography, trade, and political influence.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city's name comes from the Old Dutch word Bruocsela, which means "settlement on the marsh". This accurately describes the terrain where the first settlements emerged on the islands of the River Senne. Although legend links the birth of the city to the construction of a chapel by Saint Gaugericus (Saint-Géry) in the 7th century, the official founding date of Brussels is considered to be 979 AD. It was then that Charles I, Duke of Lower Lorraine, built a fortress on one of the islands, laying the foundation for the future city.

Key Factors of Development

Several key factors contributed to the rapid growth of Brussels:

• Geographical Location: The city was situated on a vital trade route connecting the prosperous cities of Bruges and Ghent with Cologne and other regions of the Holy Roman Empire. The River Senne served as an important transport artery.
• Trade: By the 12th century, Brussels had become a major centre for craftsmanship and trade. It gained particular fame for the production of high-quality fabrics and tapestries, which were exported throughout Europe, from France to Italy.
• Political Power: In the 11th century, the Counts of Leuven, the future Dukes of Brabant, built their castle on the Coudenberg hill. By the mid-13th century, Brussels had become the permanent residence and capital of the powerful Duchy of Brabant, which attracted nobility to the city and contributed to its further prosperity.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early period of its development, Brussels actively grew and strengthened. In the 11th century, the first city walls were erected to protect the growing population and trading quarters. In 1229, the city received its first Charter of Liberties from the Duke of Brabant, which secured the rights and privileges of the citizens. The presence of the ducal court stimulated the development of crafts specializing in luxury goods, which further strengthened the economy and status of the city.

Key Milestones in the History of Brussels

From a humble settlement on the marshes to the political heart of Europe, the history of Brussels is rich in events that defined its unique character and status. Here is a brief timeline of key moments in the city's development:

• 979 AD — Official date of the city's founding. Charles I, Duke of Lower Lorraine, builds a fortress on an island in the River Senne, laying the foundation for future Brussels.
• 1229 — The city receives its first Charter of Liberties from the Duke of Brabant, securing the rights and freedoms of its residents.
• 15th Century — Brussels becomes the capital of the powerful Duchy of Burgundy under Philip III the Good, marking the beginning of a period of cultural and economic flourishing.
• 1619 — The famous fountain sculpture "Manneken Pis" is created, becoming one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.
• 1695 — The city undergoes a devastating three-day bombardment by the French troops of King Louis XIV, resulting in the destruction of the Grand-Place and thousands of buildings.
• 25 August 1830 — An uprising begins in Brussels, which escalates into the Belgian Revolution and leads to Belgium's independence from the Netherlands.
• 1831 — Brussels officially becomes the capital of the newly formed Kingdom of Belgium.
• 1897 — The city hosts the first of several World Fairs, contributing to the spread of the Art Nouveau style.
• 1958 — Hosting of the World Fair "Expo 58", for which the famous Atomium monument was built, becoming a symbol of the atomic age and scientific progress.
• 1958 — Brussels becomes the de facto capital of the European Economic Community (the precursor to the EU) when its commission is established here.
• 1967 — NATO Headquarters moves to Brussels, strengthening its status as an important international political centre.

Key Stages of Brussels' Development

The history of Brussels is a journey from a small settlement on a river to one of the most important political and cultural capitals of Europe. Each stage has left its mark on the architecture, economy, and identity of the city.

• Foundation and Medieval Growth (10th–13th Centuries): The official founding date is considered to be 979 AD, when Duke Charles I of Lorraine founded a fortress on an island in the River Senne. Thanks to its favourable location on trade routes, Brussels quickly turned into an important centre for crafts, especially textile production. During this period, the first city walls were erected to protect the growing population.
• Burgundian "Golden Age" (15th Century): The transition under the rule of the Dukes of Burgundy marked an era of prosperity for Brussels. The city became the capital of a thriving state, attracting artists, craftsmen, and nobility. It was during this time that one of the city's main symbols was built — the Town Hall on the Grand-Place, a masterpiece of Brabantine Gothic.
• Destruction and Rebirth (1695): During the Nine Years' War, French troops subjected the city to a three-day bombardment that destroyed the central Grand-Place and much of the historic centre. However, this tragic event led to a unique urban planning project: the square was restored in a unified Baroque style, which gives it a unique harmonious appearance today.
• Capital of Belgium (from 1830): After the Belgian Revolution and gaining independence, Brussels became the capital of the new kingdom. This status provoked rapid growth of the city: old city walls were demolished, replaced by wide boulevards, and monumental buildings were constructed, such as the Palace of Justice and the Royal Palace.
• World Fair 1958 (Expo 58): This event became a symbol of post-war optimism and technological progress. The famous Atomium was built specifically for the exhibition, becoming a new symbol of Brussels and all of Belgium. The exhibition gave impetus to the modernization of urban infrastructure, including the construction of transport interchanges and tunnels.
• "Brusselization" (1960–1970s): This term entered global urban planning as a synonym for chaotic modernization, where historic buildings were massively demolished for the construction of modern office high-rises. This controversial period radically changed the appearance of many neighbourhoods but also sparked a public movement for the preservation of architectural heritage.
• European Capital (Late 20th – Early 21st Century): The placement of the headquarters of the European Union and NATO in Brussels finally secured the city's status as one of the political capitals of the world. This led to significant economic growth in the service sector, an influx of international specialists, and the further development of the city as a cosmopolitan centre.

The architectural appearance of Brussels is a living illustration of its centuries-old history, where each style has left its unique mark. From medieval masterpieces to ultra-modern buildings, the city presents an eclectic yet harmonious canvas reflecting its cultural and political development.

Gothic and Renaissance: The Grandeur of the Middle Ages

Medieval Brussels was a centre of crafts and trade, which was reflected in monumental Gothic architecture. The brightest example of this era is the Town Hall on the Grand-Place, built in the 15th century. Its openwork spire, topped with the figure of the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of the city, dominates the historic centre. Another significant monument is the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, the construction of which spanned several centuries, absorbing features of both early and Flamboyant Gothic.

Baroque: Rising from the Ashes

In 1695, the centre of Brussels was almost completely destroyed by French artillery. However, this tragic event led to a unique urban planning phenomenon: the Grand-Place was restored in the shortest possible time in a unified style of Flemish Baroque with elements of the Louis XIV style. The guild houses surrounding the square create a complete and exceptionally harmonious ensemble, which is today included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Classicism and 19th Century Eclecticism

After Belgium gained independence in 1830, Brussels became the capital, which marked the beginning of large-scale redevelopment. During this period, Classicism dominated architecture, inspired by French and Austrian examples. The Royal Quarter was created around Brussels Park with its strict and symmetrical facades. The crown of the era was the gigantic and eclectic Palace of Justice, one of the largest 19th-century buildings in the world, which still amazes with its scale.

Art Nouveau: Birth of a New Style

At the end of the 19th century, Brussels became the cradle of a new architectural style — Art Nouveau, or Modern style. Architect Victor Horta revolutionized design by abandoning right angles in favour of smooth, organic lines resembling plant stems. His urban mansions, such as Hôtel Tassel and Hôtel Solvay, are recognized masterpieces and included in the UNESCO heritage list. Horta and his followers actively used new materials — metal and glass, creating bright and dynamic spaces.

Art Deco and 20th Century Modernism

The elegant curves of Art Nouveau were replaced by the stricter and geometric Art Deco style. Its monumental embodiment was the National Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Koekelberg Hill. Post-war modernism found its most famous expression in the Atomium — the symbol of the 1958 World Fair, representing faith in scientific progress and a peaceful future.

"Brusselization" and Modernity

In the 1960s and 1970s, the chaotic and unregulated development of the city with modern office buildings at the expense of historical heritage was termed "Brusselization". This controversial period led to the demolition of many valuable buildings, including some works by Victor Horta. Today's Brussels is a city of contrasts, where historic quarters sit alongside the modern glass towers of the European Quarter, creating a complex yet dynamic urban landscape.

Outstanding Figures Who Left a Mark on Brussels' History

For centuries, Brussels has been a centre of attraction for many talented people — from artists and scientists to actors and musicians. These individuals not only shaped the cultural and intellectual landscape of the city but also influenced world history.

• Andreas Vesalius (1514–1564)
  Physician and Anatomist
  A native of Brussels, Vesalius is considered the founder of modern scientific anatomy. His revolutionary work "On the Fabric of the Human Body", based on his own dissections, corrected centuries-old errors and laid the foundation for the development of medicine.
• Pieter Bruegel the Elder (c. 1525–1569)
  Painter
  One of the greatest masters of the Northern Renaissance spent the last years of his life and created many masterpieces in Brussels. His paintings, depicting peasant life and landscapes, had a huge influence on the development of genre painting, and he is buried in the Chapel Church (Notre-Dame de la Chapelle) in Brussels.
• Victor Horta (1861–1947)
  Architect
  A key figure in architecture and one of the founders of the Art Nouveau style. Brussels became his creative laboratory, where he designed famous mansions such as Hôtel Tassel and Hôtel Solvay. Four of his buildings in the city are included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• René Magritte (1898–1967)
  Surrealist Painter
  Magritte lived most of his life in Brussels, where he created his most iconic works, full of riddles and philosophical meanings. Today, the city houses the world's largest collection of his works, presented at the Magritte Museum on the Royal Place.
• Hergé (Georges Remi) (1907–1983)
  Comic Book Creator
  A native of Brussels, Hergé gave the world "The Adventures of Tintin" — one of the most popular comic series of the 20th century. The streets and atmosphere of the city often served as inspiration for the adventures of the famous reporter.
• Audrey Hepburn (1929–1993)
  Actress and Humanitarian
  A style icon and one of the greatest actresses of the "Golden Age of Hollywood" was born in the municipality of Ixelles, part of the Brussels region. Although she spent most of her life outside Belgium, her connection to her hometown remains an important part of her biography.
• Jacques Brel (1929–1978)
  Singer and Songwriter
  Although he was not born directly in Brussels city centre, the career of this outstanding Belgian chansonnier began on the stages of local performance venues in the early 1950s. His work is deeply connected to the city, which he celebrated in his songs.