Porte du Rivage – Oeverpoort

In 1769, a grand celebration erupted near the Porte du Rivage. Governor Charles Alexandre de Lorena chose this bustling port district to mark his jubilee. The Porte du Rivage, or Oeverpoort in Dutch, wasn’t always a square. It was once a vital gateway in Brussels’ second set of fortifications. Imagine barges laden with goods passing through this very spot. The original gate, known as the “Cow Gate” or Koeienpoort, stood on the east bank of the Willebroeck Canal. Built in 1562, it controlled the flow of river traffic and trade into Brussels’ inner harbor. This harbor stretched all the way to Sainte-Catherine Square. Interestingly, the Cow Gate wasn’t considered on par with Brussels’ seven main city gates. Those gates were linked to the seven noble houses of Brussels. The Cow Gate, or “canal hole” as it was known, was guarded by the Guild of Armourers. Its significance lay in maritime trade, being positioned on the main navigation route between Brussels and the port of Antwerp. Legend says William of Orange used the Cow Gate to escape the Duke of Alba’s army in 1567. The canal crossing was fortified in 1576. The Porte du Rivage, as we know it, rose on the west bank. A drawbridge connected the ramparts, becoming Orange’s entry point for his triumphant return to Brussels the following year. In the 1620s, Jacob Franquart was tasked with renovating the Porte du Rivage. He also designed the scenic Green Alley, a promenade alongside the canal. The gate suffered damage during a flood in 1643. Bernard Raessens rebuilt it in the Baroque style, adding viewing platforms and elegant pilasters. It became a popular spot for locals to enjoy views of the city and surrounding fields. After another renovation in 1773, the Porte du Rivage met its end in 1812, demolished along with the surrounding area. The old docks were filled in. The area underwent further transformation in 1830 with the creation of a new seaport. The name Porte du Rivage lived on. A new customs gate, designed by Auguste Payen, was built nearby. Finally, in 2015, the name returned to its original location when this square was christened Porte du Rivage – Oeverpoort. Even the tram tracks here, laid within a water feature, are a nod to the canal that once flowed here.