How did the 1695 French bombardment change the Grand' Place?

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People browse colorful flowers and potted plants for sale in the Grand Place, Brussels, with ornate historic buildings in the background. — Brussels Grand' Place (Grote Markt), Brussels.

The French bombardment of 1695, ordered by Louis XIV, was a catastrophic event for Brussels that resulted in the destruction of hundreds of buildings by fire, including the various craft headquarters located around the Grand' Place.1

This destruction served as a catalyst for the square's transformation. In the aftermath of the fire, the city saw the construction of the new guildhalls that define the architectural character of the Grand' Place today. These ornate 17th-century structures replaced the buildings lost during the military assault, creating the landmark square that remains the city's premier architectural attraction.21