The Royal Palace is on the Place des Palais facing the Palais de la Nation, home of the Belgian Parliament, across the Park of Brussels. The Park was once part of the hunting ground of the Dukes of Brabant. It was also the scene of fierce fighting in 1830 when Belgium gained her independence.
Ever since the 12th century when the Counts of Louvain built a fortress on the Coudenberg hill, there has been a noble residence overlooking the Park of Brussels. Later occupants included the Dukes of Brabant and Burgundy and Charles V. In 1731 the Palace burnt to the ground, after which plans for the present neo-classic structure were drawn up, and although the Palace was modified during Austrian, French and Dutch rule, the buildings remained essentially the same until Leopold II instituted renovations which were carried out between 1868 and 1872.