Did you know that the Chaussée de Waterloo or Waterloosesteenweg stretches 12.4 kilometers? This long road links Brussels and Waterloo. It is more than just a road. The Chaussée de Waterloo tells a story of history and transformation.
Let’s begin at the Halle Gate in Saint-Gilles. This is where the Chaussée de Waterloo begins its journey. Originally, this was the main road from Brussels to Charleroi. It cut through the Sonian Forest. Today, it remains a vital artery in the region.
As we travel along the Chaussée de Waterloo notice the changing scenery. The road passes through diverse districts. It starts in working-class Saint-Gilles. Farther along, chic boutiques and restaurants line the street. Fort Jaco in Uccle and Waterloo itself are particularly known for this.
Look around and observe the architecture. The Chaussée de Waterloo features neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco townhouses. These buildings add to the road’s historical charm.
In 1662, the Chaussée de Waterloo was simply an extension of an older road. It ran from La Bascule to Waterloo. By the end of the 17th century, it reached Charleroi and Namur. In 1711, Austrian rulers decided to extend it to the Halle Gate. Construction took place between 1725 and 1727.
The Chaussée de Waterloo played a key role in developing the districts it crosses. From the mid-1870s, the straight part of the street developed rapidly. By the 1910s, construction was nearly complete.
Imagine a bridge once stood here. Until the early 20th century, the Hoge Brugge spanned a sunken road. This was near Ma Campagne in Saint-Gilles. It led to Saint-Job. The bridge disappeared as the Berkendael district was leveled. Yet, its name lives on in Avenue du Haut-Pont.
The Chaussée de Waterloo became a prosperous commercial area in the 20th century. The tram line between Brussels-South station and Uccle boosted this growth. The last major building projects occurred in the 1930s. In 1944, British tanks advanced on the Chaussée de Waterloo. They liberated Brussels from German occupation.
Today, many commuters use the Chaussée de Waterloo daily. They travel to work in Brussels. The road helps ease traffic at the southern end of the city. Houses along the road often serve commercial purposes too. Storefronts have changed to keep up with fashion. Besides commerce, you’ll also find industries and offices here.
In Ixelles, the Chaussée de Waterloo runs straight. It divides the Ixelles enclave into two parts. To the northeast is the Tenbosch district. To the southwest is the Berkendael district.
Look for the historical terraced houses. Notice the old country houses. Number 928 is in Art Deco style. Édouard Antoine designed it. Number 916 sits back from the street. Numbers 920 and 922 are neoclassical. These architectural details enhance the street’s character.
At number 964, where the service station now stands, was Le Vert Chasseur. This café-restaurant related to the Bois de la Cambre. Numbers 892 to 915 housed a boat showroom. It even had a basin to display models.
The Chaussée de Waterloo remains a vital part of Brussels. It blends history, commerce, and culture. As you continue your journey, remember the stories this road holds.