Brussels - Palais Royal / Koninklijk Paleis

The Coudenberg palace, historic seat of the dukes of Brabant, was destroyed by fire in 1731, later being replaced by the present Palais Royal. Used for state occasions the palace is the Belgian Royal Family's official residence rather than their home. The Belgian flag, flown from the roof, signals the sovereign's presence. A ceremonial Changing of the Guard takes place every day at about 2.30 pm. The palace originally comprised two separate buildings which were made into one in 1827-29. Further alterations continued until 1904.

The Greenhouses of the Royal Palace are open to the public each year for a short period of time.