Was Square Palfyn – Palfynsquare once an ancient pond? Indeed it was. Long ago, the Durrebroeck pond collected water. It stretched all the way to the Roman road.
Welcome to Square Palfyn – Palfynsquare. This green space offers a peaceful escape. It lies between the bustling Avenue Houba de Strooper and Avenue Jean Palfyn.
The square wasn’t always here. In the past, the Durrebroeck pond fed the Heyselbeek stream. The stream flowed to Place Saint-Lambert. It powered the Slagmolen mill. The stream continued to the Clementine pond and joined the Molenbeek.
Let’s travel to the past. Picture 1930. A small forest stood opposite the new Centenary Stadium. Today it is known as King Baudouin Stadium. A few years later, streets appeared for the 1935 Expo. The park itself was created for the 1958 Expo.
The City Council officially named it Square Jean Palfyn on June 28, 1993. But the avenue received its name earlier. The city named it on January 15, 1935. Like other streets near Brugmann Hospital, it honors a doctor. Jean Palfyn was a surgeon. He lived from 1650 to 1730. He improved the forceps.
Today, Square Palfyn – Palfynsquare is home to two artworks. The first is the monumental De Brouckère Fountain. The second is the more subtle sculpture, Le Semeur. The bronze statue of Le Semeur is by M. Desmaré.
The De Brouckère Fountain honors Charles de Brouckère. Architect Beyaert designed it. Sculptors Fiers and Dunion created the sculptures. Fiers made the bust, Neptune, and Amphitrite. Dunion created the group of children. The fountain once stood at Porte de Namur.
The square is divided by roads. It covers 1.5 hectares. It features about forty kinds of trees and shrubs. You can admire chestnut trees. Rowan trees and ginkgos also grow here. Look for maple trees and Japanese cherry trees. Linden and ash trees add to the beauty. You will also find American sweetgum and oak trees.
Several remarkable trees stand out. A Canadian poplar catches the eye. A rare Chinese poplar species is also present. It is called Populus lasiocarpa. An American honeylocust adds to the collection. A beautiful Japanese varnish tree stands tall. An attractive row of espaliered lime trees resembles candelabras.
Ornamental shrubs surround the square. A wide central path leads to three elevated areas. The first is rectangular and lined with espaliered lime trees. It connects Rue du Disque and Avenue Thiriar. The second area is semi-circular. It serves as a basketball court. The last area is smaller and has a sandbox.
Rest areas are arranged in arcs along the path. Hedges surround them. Since the 1970s, the statue of the Sower has stood here. In 1978, they reinstalled the De Brouckère Fountain next to it. The triangular part of the square serves as the tram 18 terminus.
The Government of the Brussels-Capital Region listed the square as a protected site. This happened on September 17, 1998.