A Snapshot of the Grand'Place

What did Gide* say of this square?
It's theatre in the open air!
A city's history, built in stone
To Burgundy a second home.

Its Gothic Town Hall, graceful spire
Witnessed executions dire
Once thriving market, bakers' hall
Destroyed in French fire, now stands tall.

Showplace of rich corporations
Medieval groupings of nine nations
Proud bold Baroque with Flemish touch
Grand'Place is Grote Markt in Dutch.

A UNESCO listed, stunning site
With son-et-lumière at night
In sun its gilded gables gleam
If life is coffee, it's the cream!

Its discreet hotel has stunning views;
Its beer museum, local brews
Chocolate heaven – tempting wares
Quaint taverns with carved wooden stairs.

Famous visitors of note:
Karl Marx and Victor Hugo - gloat
Their plaques still proudly on display
Maybe you'll join them today?

Flags, festivals and Ommegang
For a thousand years the cobbles rang
With footsteps of the Great and Bold
Yes, still today pageants unfold!

(c) Poet in the woods 2017

* André Gide (1869-1951) "Quel riche théâtre!"