Whispered secrets of merchants once echoed through Kempendelle. It is now a simple street. Its story threads into the larger narrative of Brussels.
Brussels began as a small rural settlement. It sat on the River Senne. It grew into a major European city. Since World War II, it has become a center for international politics. Brussels is the de facto capital of the European Union. It hosts many EU institutions. These include administrative, legislative, and executive branches. Its name even stands for the EU.
Brussels is Belgium’s most densely populated region. It covers 162 square kilometers. It has a population of over 1.2 million. Its metropolitan area has over 2.5 million people.
Historically, Brussels spoke Dutch. But French became more common in the late 19th century. Since 1989, Brussels has been officially bilingual. It uses both French and Dutch. English is also widely spoken here.
Traces of human settlement go back to the Stone Age. Vestiges relate to megaliths and standing stones. Roman occupation occurred during late antiquity. This is proven by findings near Tour & Taxis. Brussels was incorporated into the Frankish Empire after the Western Roman Empire fell.
Legend says Saint Gaugericus built a chapel on an island in the Senne around 580. Brussels’ official founding is around 979. Charles, Duke of Lower Lorraine, moved Saint Gudula’s relics to the chapel.
Lambert I, Count of Louvain, gained the County of Brussels around 1000. Brussels became a commercial center. It specialized in textiles because it was on a trade route. It sat between Bruges and Ghent, and Cologne in Germany. The town grew quickly. It expanded to higher ground reducing flood risks.
The first walls of Brussels were built in the early 13th century. The city grew significantly after that. Around that time, work began on the Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula. A second set of walls were built between 1356 and 1383, as the city expanded.
Brussels became the Princely Capital of the Burgundian Netherlands in the 15th century. Charles V was declared of age here in 1515. He abdicated his possessions here in 1555.
In 1695, King Louis XIV of France bombarded Brussels. The Grand-Place was destroyed. So were 4,000 buildings, a third of the city. The city center was rebuilt. This profoundly changed its appearance.
The Belgian Revolution began in Brussels in 1830. The city became the capital of the new nation. Leopold I became the first King of the Belgians in 1831.
The Senne River was covered from 1867 to 1871. This allowed urban renewal. Modern buildings were constructed along grand central boulevards.
Brussels became a major Art Nouveau center in the 1890s. Victor Horta and Paul Hankar were known for their designs.
Brussels hosted world’s fairs in 1910, 1935 and 1958. Brussels was occupied during both World War I and World War II.
From the early 1960s, Brussels became the de facto capital of the EU. Many modern offices were built. This led to “Brusselisation.” The Brussels-Capital Region was formed in 1989.
Brussels is known for its cuisine. This includes waffles, chocolate, fries, and beers. Its Grand-Place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brussels is also hailed as a capital of the comic strip.
Today, Kempendelle might seem like any other street. Yet, it carries echoes of centuries of commerce, culture, and change. It reminds us that even the simplest places hold deep stories. As you continue your exploration of Brussels, remember that every street has a tale to tell.