Twenty meters tall stands the Obélisque Anspach. It rises high above the Square des Blindés. The Obélisque Anspach is more than just a fountain. It is a tribute to a man who reshaped Brussels.
Let’s delve into the story of this imposing monument. It honors Jules Anspach. He was the mayor of Brussels from 1863 to 1879. Anspach spearheaded the modernization of the city. His vision transformed Brussels into the metropolis we see today.
Anspach’s most significant achievement was covering the Senne River. The Senne had become a source of disease and foul odors. Anspach transformed it into the central boulevards that now define Brussels. These boulevards include Boulevard Anspach. The Obélisque Anspach stands as a testament to this transformation.
The Obélisque Anspach was erected between 1895 and 1897. Architect Charles-Émile Janlet designed it in an eclectic style. The obelisk is made of Swedish granite. It sits on a blue stone pedestal.
Look closely at the pedestal. It features a marble bas-relief. This artwork depicts an allegory of the Senne’s covering. A naked woman sits in a tunnel. She represents the river. Sculptor Paul De Vigne created this intriguing piece.
Water flows from dolphin spitter sculptures. Georges Houtstont crafted them. Six chimeras once adorned the basin. Godefroid Devreese sculpted them. Now only four remain.
The pink granite obelisk reaches 11 meters. A white marble medallion shows Anspach’s image. Paul De Vigne also created this. Bronze allegories surround the medallion. They represent the Municipal Judiciary and the Grateful City of Brussels. Julien Dillens sculpted these figures.
The Municipal Judiciary holds a rudder. A snake coils around it. The owl on her head represents wisdom. Scales at her feet symbolize justice. The Grateful City of Brussels wears a crown shaped like city walls. A rooster sits atop Anspach’s medallion. It symbolizes vigilance.
At the very top, a bronze ornament depicts medieval Brussels. A Gothic spire rises. Saint Michael stands above slaying a dragon. Pierre-Jean Braecke created this. He innovatively portrayed Saint Michael naked. Four coats of arms decorate the upper part. They represent Brussels’ historical guilds. These are the crossbowmen, harquebusiers, archers, and fencers.
Originally, the Obélisque Anspach stood in Place de Brouckère. It was moved in 1973 for metro construction. In 1981, it was reinstalled here in Square des Blindés.
The Obélisque Anspach remains a cultural landmark. It embodies the spirit of Brussels. It is a popular meeting spot. It reminds everyone of the city’s rich history. The Obélisque Anspach symbolizes progress and modernization. Take a moment to appreciate this monument to a visionary leader.