Palace of the Count of Flanders

The Palace of the Count of Flanders (French: Palais du Comte de Flandre, Dutch: Paleis van de Graaf van Vlaanderen) is a neoclassical palace in Brussels, Belgium. It is situated on Rue de la Régence/Rekenhof, opposite the Museum of Fine Arts. It currently houses the Court of Audit of Belgium. This site is served by Brussels Central Station, as well as by the metro stations Parc/Park and Trône/Troon.

Palace of the Count of Flanders
Palais du Comte de Flandre  (French)
Paleis van de Graaf van Vlaanderen  (Dutch)
Front view of the Palace
Location within Brussels
General information
TypePalace
Architectural styleNeoclassical
AddressRue de la Régence / Rekenhof 2
Town or cityB-1000 City of Brussels, Brussels-Capital Region
CountryBelgium
Construction started18th century (18th century)

History

The elegant neoclassical residence was built in the late 18th century as the town house of Marquis Paul Arconati-Visconti, the then-mayor of Brussels.[1]

The Count of Flanders bought the residence in 1866, one year before his marriage. He had the palace renovated by his architect Gustave Saintenoy.[2] It features a small inner garden, which leads to the Entry of Honour. Saintenoy also designed the great ball room, but unfortunately this fine room was destroyed in 1921. Following the completion of the renovations, the new Count and Countess made it their family home.[3] King Albert I was born there, and his brother, Prince Baudouin, died there.

After the death of the Count, his children sold the residence to the Banque de Bruxelles. Inside, the major rooms with fine interiors are kept in the state they were as a royal residence.[4]

The palace became a listed monument on 6 September 2001.[5]

Panoramic view of the courtyard

References
  1. Belge, Un Petit (18 November 2013). "Blog sur la famille royale belge: Le palais des comtes de Flandre à Bruxelles". Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  2. Le patrimoine monumental de Belgique. Bruxelles : Vol. 1, T. C. Pentagone N - Z. Editions Mardaga. 27 February 1994. ISBN 9782870095621. Retrieved 27 February 2019 – via Google Books.
  3. "Albert & Élisabeth" (PDF). Racine.be. Retrieved 27 February 2019.
  4. Bruxelles-Capitale (Belgium), Région de (27 February 1998). Lieux de fête. Editions Mardaga. ISBN 9782870096901. Retrieved 27 February 2019 – via Google Books.
  5. "Brussel Vijfhoek - Voormalig Paleis van de graaf van Vlaanderen - Rekenhof - Regentschapsstraat 2 - Koningsplein 4 - Naamsestraat 1-3 - PARENT C." Irismonument.be. Retrieved 27 February 2019.


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