Quai aux Poissons

Hidden in plain sight, the Quai aux Poissons whispers tales of Brussels’ bustling past. This isn’t just a quay. It’s a time capsule, preserving memories of a vibrant fish market that once thrived here. Let’s journey back to a time when the air crackled with the cries of fishmongers and the scent of the sea permeated the air. The Quai aux Poissons, or Fish Market, wasn’t always located at this spot. Originally situated near Rue de la Colline, it moved to the newly developed port area near the Béguinage at the end of the 16th century. The market occupied a prime location in the heart of Brussels’ port. Fish, fresh from the boats, was displayed on simple benches. A painting in the Maison du Roi depicts this lively scene, capturing the essence of the market before modern hygiene and refrigeration. In 1639, Antoine Van Schelle built the Maison des Poissonniers beside the market, a beautiful building later demolished during the covering of the Senne River. In 1882, the latter half of the Marchands basin, part of the old port, was filled in. A new fish market was built on this reclaimed land and opened in 1884. This new market benefited the small traders in the Sainte-Catherine district. It was a modern marvel, constructed of iron and glass with two covered galleries accommodating 80 stalls. This market, bustling with life until 1955, became synonymous with the area. The name Quai aux Poissons stuck, even after the market was demolished, a testament to its enduring legacy. The site then became a parking lot until the construction of the Sainte-Catherine metro station in 1970. The area was redesigned, and the Anspach fountain, originally from Place de Brouckère, found a new home here. Today, the Quai aux Poissons no longer hosts a fish market. But its spirit lives on in the numerous fish and seafood restaurants that have made this area, along with the nearby Place Sainte-Catherine, a culinary destination. From simple stalls to covered galleries, from fish market to parking lot, the Quai aux Poissons has witnessed Brussels’ evolution. Its story, etched in the city’s fabric, invites us to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring power of place.