Perched on a hill in the Royal Park of Laeken, the Monument to the Dynasty is one of Brussels’ most majestic symbols. This neo-Gothic masterpiece, erected in honor of Leopold I, the first king of the Belgians, is as fascinating for its structure as for its historical significance. Designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kingdom of Belgium, it is now an iconic—and often overlooked—place to discover during a walk in Laeken.
Galerie photos
A royal monument at the top of Laeken Park
Located on Dynasty Square, this imposing memorial marks the end of the royal axis leading from Laeken Castle. It stands on a 50-meter-high hill, offering a monumental view in the heart of a green setting. The structure, topped by a slender spire crowned with a golden crown, immediately catches the eye.
The architectural ensemble was designed by Louis De Curte in a neo-Gothic style typical of the 19th century. The first stone was laid in 1878, and the monument was officially inaugurated in 1880 on the occasion of the kingdom’s 50th anniversary.
A tribute to Leopold I and the Belgian provinces
In the center of the building stands a statue of Leopold I, sculpted by Guillaume Geefs, who also created the statue of the king on the Congress Column. The king is surrounded by nine arches, representing the nine founding provinces of Belgium at the time.
Each province is symbolized by an allegory linked to its economic or cultural identity:
- Namur: metallurgy (Thomas Vinçotte)
- Luxembourg: hunting (Albert Desenfans)
- Liège: armory (Adolphe Fassin)
- Limburg: agriculture (Antoine van Rasbourgh)
- Antwerp: trade and navigation (Frans Deckers)
- Brabant: the royal scepter (Charles Van der Stappen)
- East Flanders: spinning mills and horticulture (Gérard Van der Linden)
- West Flanders: fishing (Henri Pickery)
- Hainaut: coal (Charles Brunin)
These statues are topped with lions bearing the coat of arms of each province, reinforcing the unified and symbolic nature of the work.
A building that is as aesthetic as it is symbolic
The monument’s spire, nearly 50 meters high, is not just an aesthetic element: it symbolically commemorates Belgium’s 50th anniversary, which was celebrated at the time of its inauguration. A staircase, now closed to the public, once provided access to an elevated gallery under flying buttresses adorned with miniature gargoyles.
Renovated in 2001 on the occasion of Belgium’s presidency of the European Union, the monument remains closed today for safety and conservation reasons. However, it can be admired from the outside during a visit to the Royal Park of Laeken.
How to visit the Monument to the Dynasty?
Even though the monument is not accessible inside, its imposing silhouette and rich sculptures make it an essential stop for any lover of architecture, history, or peaceful walks in Brussels. Located not far from the Castle of Laeken and the Royal Park, it is part of an ideal royal itinerary combining heritage and nature.
