Tag Archives: Square

Statue Joies de Printemps

The “Square des Griottiers” or “Square of the cherries trees” takes its name from the three big morello cherry trees planted here. This is the same type of cherry tree used to produces the famous cherry beer Kriek in Brussels. Located in in Schaerbeek at the crossroads of the avenues of Félix Maréchal, Emile Max and Milcamps, This is tiny island of lush greenery is a little haven of peace in an urban residential area. The square is best known for the little statuette “Joies de Printemps” which translates to Joys of spring in English.

The paved path allows visitors to discover the wide variety of shrubs, grasses and flowers that adorn the square. In addition, a fourth sour cherry tree will be planted while two benches will be installed.

The Joys of Spring sculpture by Eugène Canneel is at the center of the Square des Griottiers. Interesting fact, both the cherry and the donkey are symbols of this municipality of Schaarbeek, as in the old days cherries who grew here had to be carried on the back of donkeys to be sold on the Brussels markets downtown.

Place du Petit Sablon

Place du Petit Sablon, this lovely little miniature garden was built in 1890 and is fenced by a magnificent rough-iron gate that is topped by 48 Paul Hankar designed bronze statues. Each one of them represent one of the Medieval arts and crafts of Brussels. Identifying each and every one of them is quite a task since most have died out. Among others you will find tallow makers, pin & belt makers, arquebusiers and linen croppers. Inside the Gardens you will find statues of the Counts of Egmont and Hornes.

The entrance of Place du Petit Sablon with some statues representing the guilds of Brussels

Some more of the 48 Medieval arts and crafts statues that surround the garden

As you enter the Garden

People having one of their usual extended sit-downs in the garden for a pleasant chat

The statues are in honor to the Counts of Egmont and Hornes

The represent their resistance to Spanish invasion and tyranny. They were sentenced and decapitated by the Duke of Alba in 1568 for it

Details at the base of the statue