Cimetière d’Ixelles – Begraafplaats van Elsene

Lost in the city’s embrace lies a realm of stories untold. This is the Cimetière d’Ixelles – Begraafplaats van Elsene. Here, amidst the grandeur of sculpted monuments and the hush of ancient trees, history whispers from beyond the veil. Established in 1877 along the Chaussée de Boondael, the Cimetière d’Ixelles – Begraafplaats van Elsene became a final resting place for prominent figures. The cemetery’s layout, inspired by renowned necropolises like Père-Lachaise in Paris, unfolds like a miniature city. Avenues radiate from central roundabouts, offering panoramic views. One such roundabout leads to a grand, tree-lined avenue where the cemetery’s oldest and most remarkable sculptures reside. Another, the ‘rond-point militaire,’ overlooks the military square, a solemn tribute to those who perished in World War I. Among the celebrated residents of Cimetière d’Ixelles – Begraafplaats van Elsene is General Georges Boulanger. The French Minister of War, exiled in Belgium, tragically ended his life on the grave of his mistress, Marguerite de Bonnemains, in 1891. Their shared tomb now stands as a poignant reminder of their ill-fated love. The cemetery also houses the enigmatic surrealist Marcel Broodthaers. His simple yet thought-provoking tombstone, bearing a quote from his own work, is often adorned with mussel shells, a tribute to the artist’s unique style. The architect Victor Horta, renowned for his Art Nouveau creations, also found his final resting place here, alongside chemist and industrialist Ernest Solvay. Horta’s distinctive touch is evident in the Solvay family’s funerary monuments. Cimetière d’Ixelles – Begraafplaats van Elsene isn’t just a burial ground. It’s a living museum of funerary art and architecture. From the eclectic mix of styles to the intricate details of each sculpture, the cemetery reflects the rich tapestry of human experience. It is a place of quiet contemplation, where history and art intertwine, offering visitors a unique and memorable experience.