Coudenberg: The forgotten palace that shaped Europe

Did you know that Brussels was once home to a magnificent palace that could easily rival England’s Hampton Court or even Louis XIV’s Versailles?

The Coudenberg Palace was, for centuries, the political and ceremonial heart of the Duchy of Brabant, the Burgundian Netherlands, and later the Habsburg Netherlands - until a devastating fire in 1731 brought an abrupt end to the ‘Palace on the Cold Hill.’

The palace played a major role in both national and European history. Kings and emperors once called this now-forgotten place home, while visitors were dazzled by its grandeur and opulence.

In this talk, Vincenzo De Meulenaere, a diplomat and scholar, will guide you through the fascinating history of the Coudenberg Palace, bridging past events with contemporary geopolitics. Drawing on his unique experience, Vincenzo will shed light on the importance of this palace not only as a political center but also as a cultural symbol that helped shape European history. His insights reveal how the destruction of Coudenberg marked a turning point in the region’s political evolution and offer a fresh perspective on Brussels’ role today.

Join us for this fascinating exploration of a lost gem at the heart of Europe!