Avenue Jean Palfijn – Jean Palfijnlaan

“A winding road, wouldn’t you say?” Avenue Jean Palfijn is indeed quite sinuous. It meanders its way connecting Avenue Houba de Strooper to Avenue de l’Arbre Ballon. Avenue Jean Palfijn shares this winding character with its northern counterpart, Avenue du Général de Ceuninck, and their extension, Avenue de l’Arbre Ballon. Their creation was a long time coming. Initially envisioned in 1906 alongside Avenue Houba de Strooper, these avenues weren’t realized until 1931. This was thanks to a plan by Pierre Gillet. He was the communal engineer-architect in 1928. Avenue Jean Palfijn received its name in 1935. It honors the Flemish surgeon Jan Palfijn, who perfected the forceps. This is a fitting tribute, given its proximity to Brugmann hospital. Many nearby streets honor medical figures. The avenue is more than just a road. It boasts front gardens, adding to its charm. Most of the buildings along Avenue Jean Palfijn sprung up in the 1950s and 1960s. These include single-family homes and modernist apartment buildings, showcasing a blend of architectural styles. Interestingly, the municipal boundary between Brussels and Jette bisects the last block of Avenue Jean Palfijn. So, houses numbered 94 to 104 technically reside in Jette.