The Royal Palace of Laeken in Belgium is a stunning and historic building located in the Brussels-Capital Region. It is the official residence of the King and Queen of Belgium and their family. The palace is a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors coming to see the beautiful architecture, gardens, and to learn about the history of the royal family.
History of the Royal Palace of Laeken
The Royal Palace of Laeken has a long and rich history. It was originally built in the early 19th century by King Leopold I, who wanted to create a summer residence for himself and his family. The palace was designed by the architect Louis Montoyer and was completed in 1839. Since then, the palace has been expanded and remodeled several times.
In 1831, King Leopold II commissioned the architect Alphonse Balat to build a new wing of the palace. This wing was completed in 1864 and is now known as the Royal Greenhouses. The Greenhouses are a popular tourist attraction and feature a variety of exotic plants and flowers.
The Royal Palace of Laeken has also been the site of many important events in Belgium’s history. In 1909, King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth were married at the palace. In 1947, the King and Queen of Belgium hosted the first ever meeting of the United Nations at the palace.
Facts About the Royal Palace of Laeken
The Royal Palace of Laeken is the largest royal residence in Belgium. The palace covers an area of over 12 hectares (30 acres).
The palace is made up of several buildings, including the Royal Greenhouses, the Chinese Pavilion, and the Royal Stables.
The Royal Palace of Laeken is home to many works of art, including paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, and Rembrandt.
The gardens of the palace are home to many exotic plants and flowers, including orchids, bonsai trees, and cacti.
The palace is surrounded by a large park, which is home to many different species of birds and animals.
Things to Do at the Royal Palace of Laeken
The Royal Palace of Laeken is a popular tourist attraction and there are many things to do and see. Visitors can explore the palace and its gardens, as well as visit the Royal Greenhouses and the Chinese Pavilion. The palace also hosts many events throughout the year, including concerts and art exhibitions.
Visitors can also explore the park surrounding the palace. The park is home to many different species of birds and animals, including swans, ducks, herons, and deer. There are also many walking and biking trails throughout the park.
In addition, visitors can also take a tour of the Royal Stables. The stables are home to many different breeds of horses, including Lipizzaners, Friesians, and Andalusians. The stables also offer riding lessons and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Finally, visitors can also visit the Royal Library, which is located in the palace. The library contains a large collection of books and documents related to the history of the royal family.
The Royal Palace of Laeken is a beautiful and historic building that is a must-see for anyone visiting Belgium. With its stunning architecture, gardens, and park, the palace is sure to provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.