How about a journey down Rue Baron de Castro? This Etterbeek street holds more stories than you might think. Let’s explore its past and present.
Rue Baron de Castro links Boulevard Louis Schmidt to Avenue des Volontaires. It also crosses Avenue Joseph Vandersmissen. This connection makes it a vital artery in Etterbeek. The street’s creation dates back to 1912. It was designed to extend Rue de l’Escadron.
The street owes its name to Don Diego Enriquez de Castro. He was a Spanish aristocrat. More importantly, he served as treasurer-general. He managed the armies of the Spanish Netherlands. In 1673, he received the barony of Etterbeek. This honor cemented his place in local history.
As you walk along Rue Baron de Castro, notice the diverse architecture. It is not homogeneous. The street features a mix of styles. Some buildings date back to the late 1920s. These show influences of Art Deco and Beaux-Arts styles. For example, look at numbers 12, 14, 16-18, 40 and 46-48. Buildings such as number 56 gives us an example of bays and frames typical of this period. Contemporary constructions also stand along the street. This blend creates a unique visual experience.
Pay attention to numbers 7 and 11. These are villas with four facades. They sit back from the street. An entrance to the Paradis des Enfants school is located between numbers 59 and 61.
The house numbering is interesting. Odd numbers run from 1 to 87 on one side. Even numbers go from 2 to 102 on the opposite side. This detail adds to the street’s charm.
Getting to Rue Baron de Castro is easy. Several bus lines serve the area. Lines 34, 36 and 61 all stop nearby. The closest bus stop is named Baron de Castro. Metro line 5 and tram line 7 are also options. Petillon station is a short walk away.
Rue Baron de Castro offers a glimpse into Etterbeek’s history. From its namesake’s aristocratic past to its architectural diversity, the street has many stories to tell. Take a stroll and discover them for yourself. You might be surprised by what you find on Rue Baron de Castro.