Wonder why this street has two names? Cantersteen. Kantersteen. It reflects Brussels’ bilingual nature.
The Cantersteen – Kantersteen is a street in the heart of Brussels. It is located within the Pentagon. This is the city’s central area. The street runs from the Kardinaal Mercierstraat. It also connects with the Koloniënstraat and Ravensteinstraat. It ends at the Albertinaplein. There, it becomes the Keizerslaan.
Its path roughly follows the old Keizerinstraat. It also follows the Houtmarkt.
The name Cantersteen – Kantersteen comes from an old stone. This stone was in its extension. In the 13th century, the cantor of Sint-Goedele used this stone. It stood at the intersection with the “Steenweg”.
The Cantersteen’s modern layout is part of a restructuring. This involved the Putterijwijk area. The restructuring resulted from the North-South connection project. The works took place in phases. The first phase was from 1911-1914. The second was from 1935-1952.
The west side of Cantersteen – Kantersteen is completely occupied. It is occupied by the Brussels Central Station. Victor Horta designed this station. It was built between 1937 and 1952.
On the east side, you will see several notable buildings. There is the garden of the Kunstberg. It features a statue of King Albert I on horseback. Next to it is the Dynastiepaleis.
Further down Cantersteen – Kantersteen stands the former headquarters. This was once the Banque du Congo Belge. Later, it became the Banque Belgolaise. It is located at number 1. This building stands on the corner of the Stuiversstraat. André and Jean Polak designed it. It was constructed from 1952-1954.
The Ravenstein Gallery is at number 3-9 Cantersteen – Kantersteen. This is a passage to the Ravensteinstraat. Alexis Dumont designed the gallery. It was built between 1954 and 1958.
Finally, there is the Shell building. It is located at number 39-55 Cantersteen – Kantersteen. Alexis Dumont also designed this building. It was built from 1931-1934. Today, it houses the De Standaard editorial office.
Interestingly, a significant historical building once stood near Cantersteen – Kantersteen. This was the Granvelle Palace. Built around 1550 for Cardinal Antoine Perrenot de Granvelle. It was a prime example of Renaissance architecture. The palace was demolished in 1931. This demolition made way for the North-South connection. The Ravenstein Gallery was built on its site in 1956.
The Cantersteen – Kantersteen, therefore, is more than just a street. It is a corridor through time. It connects Brussels’ rich history with its modern developments. From its origins as a cantor’s stone to its role in the city’s infrastructure. The Cantersteen – Kantersteen tells a story of constant evolution. It also reflects Brussels’ unique character.