“Magnanerie” might sound like a grand estate. Domaine de la Magnanerie is indeed special. It is a park with a fascinating past in Brussels. This triangular park of almost 2 hectares cleverly uses the natural slope of the Senne valley.
Several viewpoints open onto almost the entire region. Domaine de la Magnanerie’s design is traditional. It consists of alternating manicured lawns and wooded areas.
In the 19th century, this area was part of a silkworm farm. “Magnanerie” means silkworm farm in French. The old Brussels municipality of Vorst slowly changed from agriculture to horticulture and even silk production. In 1834, most of the land was for agriculture. Only a small part was built on.
Imagine white mulberry hedges. They grew where the houses are now. In 1833, a silkworm farm was established on the Zevenbunders plateau. This was on the border of Vorst and Ukkel. After the revolution of 1830, the Zevenbunders forest was destroyed. 24 hectares were planted with 150,000 white mulberry bushes.
Earlier, during Austrian rule in the 18th century, Prince Charles of Lorraine raised silkworms. He had silkworm farms and weaving mills in his palaces. Baron Charles de Mévius brought his experience to Vorst. The silkworm farm was assigned to him in 1846. People hoped Belgium would soon have a new industry. Silk production met a growing demand. Textile factories in Antwerp and Lier were important customers.
After the baron’s death, Joseph Zaman took over the farm in 1866. After his bankruptcy, the property was divided. In 1880, the name “magnanerie” still appeared on a map. By then, it was likely just a place name.
In the early 1960s, the Domaine de la Magnanerie apartment block arose. Jacques Cuisinier designed it. It is one of Belgium’s largest complexes of co-ownership. This “magnanerie” dominates the neighborhood with its curved wall.
Even today, rare stinkhorn mushrooms grow in the park. They remind us of the countryside. The wooded areas of Domaine de la Magnanerie hold remarkable trees. These include chestnut trees, birches, magnolias and sycamore maples. A circular hedge of purple beeches encloses a cedar tree. The undergrowth has plants like arum and bluebells.
The site is surrounded by a mixed hedge. It features privet, barberry, dogwood and flowering currant. You can also spot Judas trees here. Domaine de la Magnanerie offers a green space with a rich history. It links back to Brussels’ agricultural past. Take a moment to appreciate this blend of nature and history.