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Rue des Bouchers

by Vincent

Rue des Bouchers

This is the most international street in a city with a strongly cosmopolitan air because it attracts the largest number of visitors. It is one of the pedestrian precincts in the “Ilot Sacré” and it draws tourists both for its unique atmosphere and because of the never-ending bustle (especially in the evening). Its name dates back to the days when there was still a butcher’s shop there; now the street has a plethora of restaurants with tables spilling out onto the narrow pave­ment. Many of the houses have crow-stepped gables and there is a row of superbly decorated doors dating from the 1 7C. Rue des Bouchers is worth visiting for its warm, friendly atmosphere alone, but the street also bears many testimonies of the past, also worthy of note.

The famous Galleries St-Hubert comprising the Galerie du Roi, Galerie de la Reine and Galerie des Princes divide the street into two sections. Besides being a veritable culinary corridor, with its generous amount of restaurants, you can also explore the beautiful galleries and structures near by. This old part of Brussels is studded with as many eateries and architectural goodies. You just have to walk around and you are bound to happen upon a nice surprise. Towards the top of the street, opposite n° 58, there is a vaulted passageway leading toa small square adorned with a delightful fountain. In summer, visitors can appreciate the tran­quillity and freshness of this spot (on weekdays, the square is open from 8.30am to 5pm. Also accessible from 52 rue de la Montagne). Further down the street, at the end of the Impasse de la Fidélité, the small fountain known as “Jeanneke Pis” is reminiscent of its famous male counterpart, Manneken Pis. It is a bronze figure by Debouvrie unveiled in 1987. A coin thrown into the basin is said to ensure the virtue that has given the cul-de-sac its name (Faithfulness).

20 pictures of the rue des Bouchers

Besides being a veritable culinary corridor, with its generous amount of restaurants, you can also explore the beautiful galleries and structures near by. This old part of Brussels is studded with as many eateries and architectural goodies as you can find listed in 118.com. You just have to walk around and you are bound to happen upon a nice surprise.

3 comments

paul July 20, 2007 - 4:24 pm

You could have added a photo of Jeanneke Pis her, and explain how spreaded legs and fidelity can be matched… I think it is a weird idea!

🙂

Reply
paul July 20, 2007 - 4:25 pm

"her" = "here" in earlier comments.

Still, I like your site, so do not bother too much about my comments. It's only marginal!

Reply
admin July 20, 2007 - 8:29 pm

I actually have a picture of Jeanneke Pis that I could add!

But what I don't know is if she has a legend as well like her more famous male counterpart Manneken Pis.

From what i read online she was just added 20 years ago to the city.

Vincent

Reply

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