Exceptional royal opening
The ritual is a century old: every year the Royal Greenhouses in Laeken (Serres Royales de Laeken) open their doors to the public for three weeks at the start of spring.
- When ?From 15 April to 8 May 2011
- How much ?2,50 Euros
- Internet ?www.monarchie.be
Taking advantage of the Art Nouveau movement, King Léopold II had splendid greenhouses erected in the Laeken palace grounds which are now open to the general public once a year, during several weeks. Of course, the visiting period is always a roaring success, due to the sheer quality of this tropical garden a real taste of paradise.
Glass, metal and flowers
Designed in 1873 by the architect Alphonse Balat for Léopold II, the second King of Belgium, the glass and metal construction gave new impetus to Belgian architectural design, which then spread throughout the world in the shape of Art Nouveau ( l'Art nouveau). This building currently contains plants belonging to the Roi Bâtisseur as he was known, as well as rare varieties, all still respecting the ethos of the original plantations. As well as this jewel in Belgian architectural design and botany, one can also visit the workshop belonging to Queen Elisabeth, the Royal Stables in Laeken Castle (built by Girault and Flanneau at the turn of the twentieth century, during the reigns of King Léopold II and King Albert), the church « Notre Dame de Laeken en fleurs » and the Royal crypt (Crypte Royale).
Adresses
Square de l'Atomium 1020 Laeken
Quartier: Heysel
Info & Agenda
Green Brussels
- Parks & Rides -
A capital city renowned for its green areas, Brussels owes this reputation mainly due to the green circle the Forêt de Soignes forms on its outskirts. An extension of the Bois de la Cambre, it contains a splendid and world-famous beech grove, as well as alleys filled with wonderful surprises.
