Walloon Parliament

When you see a grand building, it often signifies important functions—and right before you is a perfect example. Formerly home to the Saint-Gilles hospice, this imposing structure was transformed into the seat of the Walloon Parliament in 1985. The sick and needy of earlier days have given way to 75 deputies, elected every five years by the public through direct universal suffrage. These parliamentarians have two main roles: first, legislative—debating and voting on decrees that are later sanctioned and enacted by the regional government; second, executive—overseeing and controlling the actions of their governing body in areas like budget and financial audits. Thanks to its varied history and architectural harmony, the Walloon Parliament building proudly holds a place on the list of recognized Walloon heritage sites since 1936.