Egmont Palace

One of the historic buildings of Brussels, the Egmont Palace, was built in the 16th century for Françoise of Luxembourg and her son, Count Egmont (known, in particular, as the leader of the Protestant struggle against the Spanish Inquisition, later executed by the Spaniards). Initially, the building had features of Flemish Gothic. In the 18th century, the palace was completely renovated and rebuilt in the classical style, and its property passed to the Arenberg family. After the First World War, the new owner was forced to sell the building to the city, and in 1964 the palace became the property of Brussels.

Now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is located here, the palace apartments are often used for state receptions.

For visits and walks, a wonderful garden at the palace is available. It has 48 figurines that represent the medieval guilds of Brussels. In the middle is a monument to the Counts of Egmont and Hoorn, who were beheaded at Grand Place by the Spaniards.