Brussels Royal Corniche Features Five Belvederes Along a Scenic Route

Brussels boasts a panoramic route known as the Corniche Royale, offering sweeping views shaped by the valley of the Senne river, La Libre reported.

The relief of the Brussels territory created distinct upper and lower towns. Over the centuries, these elevation changes inspired architectural and urban planning projects that capitalized on the capital’s natural vantage points.

Historian Christophe Loir of the Université libre de Bruxelles detailed the geography of the capital in a bulletin for the Société Royale d’Archéologie de Bruxelles. Five specific belvederes established during the 19th and 20th centuries along the Rue de la Régence and Rue Royale form the core of this scenic route.

Those locations include the Place Poelaert belvedere, the Mont des Arts belvedere, the Rue Baron Horta belvedere featuring the Belliard monument, the Place du Congrès belvedere, and the Botanical Garden belvedere. Architect Victor Bourgeois wrote in 1932 about the necessity of preserving these sweeping urban views.

The Quartier des Arts association has worked to protect the architectural heritage between the Palais de Justice and the Église Royale Sainte-Marie for nearly sixty years. The group formed following a 1966 article by Jean Tordeur in Le Soir advocating for a museum and architectural zone.

Founding members included Daniel Janssen, Michel Didisheim, Alain Camu, Mickey Boël, and Pierre Laconte. The association held its first board meeting on June 12, 1967, chaired by Albert Thys with then-Prince Albert serving as honorary president.

Sa Majesté le Roi Albert II remains the honorary president of the organization today. Attorney Jean-Pierre Buyle currently leads the association as it prepares for its sixtieth anniversary and the upcoming bicentenary of Belgium.