'De Sterre' or The Star is already mentioned in the 13th century. It is probably the smallest building on the Town Square, but it has a very long history.

In the 14 century the 'Amman' lived here (the oficer of justice who represented the king). In 1356 Lodewijk van Male (Count of Flanders) planted his flag on top of the highest window. A few months later Everaerd 't Serclaes took it down again heroically.

By order of Mayor De Brouckère the building was demolished in 1852, to have a bigger opening towards the Town Square to be able to have a tram on the Town Square. This project was never executed. Later on Mayor Karel Buls decided to build a new building 'De Sterre', that rests on an arcade to keep a passage-way for the pedestrians.

Below this building you can find 2 memorial plates. It 's supposed to bring luck to touch the statue of the dying t' Serclaes. If you leave the Grand Place here and continue in the street, you get to Manneken Pis in no time.

Click here for more buildings on the Town Square (Grote Markt).

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