Château du Belvédère
Laeken, Brussels
- Built
- 1788
- Architect
- Antoine Payen
- Style
- Neoclassicism
- Royal house
- The Belgian Royal House
Château du Belvédère is an elegant villa located in the Royal Domain of Laeken, traditionally serving as the residence of the Belgian Crown Prince or Crown Princess. Today, Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant and heir to the throne, lives here.
The building was erected in 1788 by architect Antoine Payen in neoclassical style. The name "Belvédère" means "beautiful view" and refers to the picturesque location overlooking the parkland.
Over the years, several members of the Belgian royal family have lived at Belvédère. King Albert II and Queen Paola lived here as Crown Prince and Princess before moving to the Castle of Laeken when Albert ascended the throne in 1993. Similarly, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde lived here as Crown Prince and Princess.
The villa is secluded in the park and is not visible from public areas. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and provides a quiet and private atmosphere for members of the royal family.