Question: What makes Rue Bosquet so special? The answer lies in its rich history and architectural beauty. This Brussels street in Saint-Gilles has a story to tell.
Rue Bosquet stretches from Chaussée de Charleroi to Avenue de la Toison d’Or. It intersects several other streets. These include Rue Dejoncker and Rue Jourdan.
The street’s name honors a local alderman. He served from 1836 to 1843. Rue Bosquet’s story began in 1844. It was created from an old path. This path was called Chemin de la Longue Haie. It once led to Ixelles. Around 1840, it was also known as Rue de l’Église. There were plans to build a church on Place Stéphanie. This idea was considered until 1867.
Rue Bosquet is known for its architecture. Beautiful rows of neoclassical houses line the street. These were built between 1875 and 1890. Neoclassical style features symmetry and order. Buildings have white facades creating a uniform look. The style evolved over time. Proportions and decorations changed.
Most houses on Rue Bosquet have a symmetrical design. They feature balconies on the central axis. Some later buildings break the pattern. These include hotels and apartment buildings. They replaced older houses and are often larger. Some houses have changed inside affecting their facades. Doors were removed. This happened when buildings were combined internally.
Let’s look closer at some specific buildings on Rue Bosquet. Number 4 was renovated in 1952 by Fernand De Roy. Numbers 18-20 is an apartment building. Georges Piron designed it in 1974. It replaced two houses from 1882. Numbers 39-43 at the corner of Rue Jean Stas is an angle building. Jean-Pierre Coulonvaux designed it in 1973. It replaced three houses from 1875 and 1882. Number 40a formerly Rue de Suisse 1 was transformed in 1951 by Gustave Gernaert.
Other notable buildings include numbers 45-49 an apartment building designed in 1966 by Albert De Joncker. Number 48 is a neoclassical house modified in 1955 by Emmanuel Hanssens. Numbers 55 to 61 and Rue Jourdan 50 form one complex. Numbers 60-60a is a neoclassical corner building. It was built in 1875 and expanded in 1929. Number 65 is an apartment building. Alberto Vanderauwera designed it in 1966 replacing a house from 1890. Numbers 75-77-79 are apartment buildings. Émile Goffay designed them in 1954. They replaced three houses from 1877.
Number 78 Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies and Avenue de la Toison d’Or 87 is a large office complex. Éric Ysebrant de Lendonck designed it in 1989. It includes the old number 78. This was a large neoclassical inspired mansion from 1879. The complex replaced many buildings. These included neoclassical houses numbers 80 to 90 on Rue Bosquet. Number 81 and Avenue de la Toison d’Or 77-81 is an apartment building from 1949 modified in 1961 by Robert Goffaux. Number 87 and Avenue de la Toison d’Or 84-86 is an office building. It was built in 1965.
Rue Bosquet is more than just a street. It is a journey through time. Its architecture tells a story of Brussels’ past. The blend of neoclassical houses and later buildings creates a unique urban landscape. Take a stroll and discover the beauty and history of Rue Bosquet.