How about a journey to Forest Village? This village isn’t just a place. It is one of the 19 municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region in Belgium.
Forest Village has a rich history. The first houses here date back to the 7th century. These homes were built along the Geleysbeek. It is a Senne river tributary. Saint Dionysius the Areopagite is very important here. He is the village’s first church’s patron saint. Saint Alena’s legend also connects to this place. She was a young convert to Christianity. She was murdered for hearing mass at Dionysius’ church.
Let’s dig into the name of Forest Village. The original name was Vorst. This name comes from the Old Dutch word Vorstbosch. It means the prince’s forest. The Latin name forestem silvam, meaning private forest, may also have played a role. It explains the French translation Forest. Other Brussels municipalities kept the Dutch phonetic name in French. Forest became Forest due to its Latin roots.
Imagine Forest Village in the Austrian Netherlands. During the reigns of Archdukes Albert and Isabella, Forest thrived thanks to the Abbey. But tragedy struck on March 26, 1764. A fire devastated the abbey buildings. It destroyed precious artworks. After the French Revolution, the religious community disbanded. The nuns had to flee and the buildings sold. In 1964, the municipality bought the Abbey. It began restoring it to its former glory.
Forest Village is legally bilingual. Both French and Dutch are spoken. As of January 1, 2022, the municipality counted 56,616 residents. The area covers 6.29 square kilometers. This results in a population density of 8,998 people per square kilometer.
Forest Village is known for Forest National concert hall. An Audi factory is also located here. The railway depot houses the Belgian Eurostar train sets. Forest Prison was also located here. But it closed its doors in 2022.
But Forest Village offers more than just industry and music. It also maintains green spaces. These include Duden Park and Forest Park.
Several important buildings and monuments are located in Forest Village. The Church of St. Denis and Chapel of St. Alena showcase Romanesque sculpture. The Art Deco Municipal Hall built in 1925 is another prominent structure. The Church of St. Augustine also features Art Deco style. It sits on Place de l’Altitude Cent, one hundred meters above sea level.
The Wiels contemporary art center is housed in the old Wielemans-Ceuppens brewery. The Villa Beau-Site is a striking example of Art Nouveau.
Medieval celebrations take place on the grounds of Forest Abbey. Knights, burghers, and soldiers fill the streets. Magicians, jugglers, and musicians entertain the crowds. Old-time crafts and forgotten dishes add to the atmosphere.
Since 1987, Forest Village has had its own giant puppets. Nele and Pauline were baptised at the Abbey. Their children Alida and Paville are also part of the puppet family.
Forest Village is twinned with Courbevoie in France. This connection strengthens the ties between the two communities.
So, as we conclude our visit, remember Forest Village. It is a place of history and culture. Its story stretches from ancient forests to modern industry. Its blend of languages and traditions makes it a unique place in Brussels.