UPPER TOWN

Upper Town: translation

Those sections of the city situated to the south and east of thelower townare designated the upper town (haut de la ville). The area straddles a ridge of higher ground denoted by a series of hills—Coudenberg, Treurenberg, andGalgenberg—and embraces locales around theGrand SablonandPetit Sablonsquares,Mont des Arts, Parc de Bruxelles, and beyond to the avenueLouiseandLéopolddistrict.

Development of the upper town dates from the ducal fortress begun byLambert II. The royal presence was followed by administrative offices and stately town houses. Public buildings and monuments followed. As such, the upper town has always been associated with royalty andgovernment, the aristocracy and the upper bourgeoisie. Distinguishing features include monumental squares joined by classicalboulevards. The official residence of the royal family, the Belgian federal parliament, federal government ministries, thePalais de Justice, and majormuseumsare located here.