Picture the Linthout plateau. A vast expanse once covered in the Zoniënwoud forest. Imagine the sounds of axes ringing out in 1833 as the trees fell. This marked the beginning of the Linthout we know today. This wasn’t always a bustling neighborhood. Before the 19th century the Linthout plateau was rural. Untouched by urban development.
The Linthout plateau sits between two significant waterways. The Maalbeek to the west and the Woluwe to the east. It’s a natural dividing line. This geographical feature played a crucial role in shaping the area. It influenced decisions made centuries later.
In 1845 a grand plan emerged. A magnificent seven-arched bridge was proposed. Spanning the Maalbeek valley. It was designed to extend the prestigious Wetstraat. The vision was to connect the Wetstraat to other vital roads. A large square was envisioned at the bridge’s far end. Two avenues would branch from it. One leading to the Waversesteenweg. The other to the Leuvensesteenweg. Ambitious wouldn’t you say? Financial difficulties struck in 1847. This scaled down the plans dramatically. The bridge was redesigned. It became a much smaller single-arched structure. The rest of the crossing was raised instead. This revised plan was approved in 1952.
The Linthout’s transformation continued. In 1852 a new drill ground was needed. Brussels needed to provide a training area for its garrison. The location chosen? East of the Maalbeek bridge. This became the site of the future Jubelpark. The western part of the Linthout plateau was annexed by Brussels in 1853. This initiated the construction of the Noordoostwijk. A new residential area during the latter part of the 19th century.
The Linthout’s history is interwoven with the Jubelpark’s. The Jubelpark hosted many events. The 1888 Great International Competition for Science and Industry was one. The 1897 World Exhibition was another. Both showcased the Linthout’s evolution from forest to urban landscape. The Linthout even features in the history of the Jubelpark. The Jubelpark initially used another location before moving to its famous current site. The 1880 national exhibition planned to commemorate fifty years of Belgian independence was an important milestone for the Linthout area. It was the reason for the construction of the Jubelpark’s iconic triumphal arch.
The Linthout plateau has seen incredible transformations. From a forested plateau to a vibrant neighborhood. Its history is a testament to Brussels’ growth. The Linthout isn’t just a place. It is a story of urban planning. It’s a story of ambition. It is a story written across the landscape. A story we can explore a little more at another point on our tour.