An international recognition
European Route: The European Routes of Emperor Charles V
The network The European Routes of Emperor Charles V is recognized by the European Cultural Itineraries Institute of the Council of Europe, based in Luxembourg. This touristic and historical route links the significant places in the reign of Charles V and the cities which he crossed to reach his final residence in the Monastery of Yuste following his abdication in Brussels in 1555. Brussels: the city in which Charles V passed the greater part of his life; the Coudenberg Palace - in which he lived - together with the Ommegang and the Carolus Festival (coordinated by Visit Brussels), are the Brussels partners of this cultural itinerary.
The European Charles V Routes Network currently unites more than 50 cities and historical sites located in eleven countries. This initiative is intended to highlight the Heritage and History of the various partners while respecting the criteria laid down by the Council of Europe.
European Royal Residences Association
The Coudenberg is a member of the European Royal Residences Association since 2001.
This European network aims to promote our common European cultural heritage, and Coudenberg has already been recognised by its peers as occupying an essential place in European history.
The network unites the most prestigious and historic European palaces, including the Chateaux of Versailles and Chambord, the Royal Palaces of Turin, Piedmont, and Naples, Rosenborg Castle in Denmark, the Royal Palaces of Schönbrunn and the Hofburg in Vienna, the Royal Palace in Potsdam in Germany and Hampton Court Palace in England.
The main aim of the new European Royal Residences activity programme is to raise awareness of European heritage among a young audience.
European Heritage Label
The Coudenberg received the European Heritage Label in 2007. This award aims to promote sites that help present the idea of European heritage and that thereby contribute to strengthening the notion of a common European identity by promoting citizens’ feeling of belonging to a single European cultural area.