A long street between Avenue Van Volxem and Avenue du Roi. That’s Rue de Belgrade Belgradostraat for you. It stretches across the municipalities of Saint-Gilles and Forest. Did you know that its name honors Belgrade the capital of Serbia?
Rue de Belgrade has a rich history. It wasn’t always called Rue de Belgrade. For centuries it existed as a much older road the Oude Vorstweg. This ancient path connected Brussels to Halle. You can trace its existence back to 1321. Imagine the carts and travelers that passed this way over the centuries. The Oude Vorstweg followed the right bank of the Senne Valley.
Later it was renamed Hondestraet then Voorstadstraat. Finally in 1898 the Saint-Gilles section became Belgradostraat. The Forest section was called Sint-Antoniusstraat. By 1904 the whole street unified under the name Rue de Belgrade.
The street’s architecture is captivating. Most buildings are eclectic style constructed between 1882 and 1914. Its proximity to Midi Station influenced the area’s development. Large industrial buildings and apartment buildings dominate the streetscape.
Edouard Heutz a prominent industrialist built the Brasserie de l’Avenir in 1904. He also constructed apartment buildings at numbers 33-35 and 37-39. A Wielemans Ceuppens brewery once stood at number 11 but it’s gone now. The buildings at numbers 15 to 21 showcase a mix of architectural styles. They housed the Jules Marchot iron bed and furniture factory.
Number 23-25-27 housed the workshop of Auguste Vandewynckele’s Art Ironwork and Hardware for Building. His shop continued onto Rue de Mérode.
The Saint-Gilles portion was largely occupied by the former Brussels Tramways company now the STIB. There were workshops and tram depots. Homes at numbers 110 and 112 date back to 1846 or 1882. At the end of the street near Avenue du Roi you’ll find some shops.
Rue de Belgrade is more than just a street. It’s a living testament to Brussels’ past. A blend of history industry and architecture. It’s a vibrant thread in the city’s rich tapestry. Take a moment to absorb its unique charm. Reflect on the centuries of history woven into its very fabric. This is Rue de Belgrade a street with a story to tell.