• Blaeu, Curia Brabantiae (the Brussels Court) (c) Museum of the City of Brussels - Maison du Roi

1452–1460

The Aula Magna is built

Philip the Good had the City of Brussels finance the construction of a great banqueting hall – the Aula Magna – between 1452 and 1460. It was used for major events in the life of the Court of Brussels, including the following in the 16^th century: the emancipation of Charles V (1515) as well as his abdication (1555); Mary of Hungary’s accession as Governess of the Habsburg Netherlands (1530); and Alexander Farnese’s marriage to Maria of Portugal (1565).

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