The Congress Column

In front of you rises the monument Belgium dedicated to its founding act: not a battle, but a legal text. The Congress Column commemorates the National Congress which, in 1830 and 1831, drafted the new country’s constitution.

1One of the most liberal constitutions of its day

After the 1830 revolution, the National Congress approved a constitution in February 1831 that guaranteed freedoms then rare in Europe. It was also the Congress that chose Leopold of Saxe-Coburg as the first king.

The foundation stone of the column was laid in 1850 and the monument was inaugurated in 1859. The architect was Joseph Poelaert, who would later build the colossal Palace of Justice. It stands 47 metres high, and on top is a statue of Leopold I almost five metres tall, the work of Guillaume Geefs.

The four bronze women at the base are freedoms: of worship, of association, of education and of the press.

2The Unknown Soldier

On 11 November 1922 an unidentified Belgian soldier was buried at the foot of the column, in tribute to those who fell in the First World War. Since then an eternal flame has burned beside the tomb, and Armistice Day ceremonies are held here.

3What to look for

• The four female statues: work out which one holds a printing press or a book.
• The eternal flame, between the two lions.
• The view over the lower town, to the west.