Picture this: a street whispering tales of education and architectural evolution. This is Rue de la Rhétorique. It is also known as Retoricastraat. We are standing at a place that connects the Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies to Place Morichar.
Once, Rue de la Rhétorique formed the initial section of Rue d’Espagne. Rue d’Espagne extended beyond Place Morichar. The name Rue de la Rhétorique finds its roots in nearby educational institutions. It mirrors the naming of Rue des Étudiants and Rue du Lycée. These names also reflect the presence of schools in this area.
Currently, Rue de la Rhétorique houses two schools. The Athénée Royal Victor Horta resides on the even-numbered side. École Peter Pan occupies the odd-numbered side. The Athénée Royal Victor Horta is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The street showcases eclectic architecture. Most buildings feature polychrome facades. These designs emerged roughly between 1893 and 1899.
Let’s focus on specific buildings. Numbers 2-2a-4 stand as a corner building. It was constructed in 1899. It has undergone many alterations. Number 3 is currently covered in brick. It dates back to 1902. It was designed with the adjacent house at numbers 1-1a. Number 6 is a house from 1898. It was likely plastered originally. Numbers 8-12 are now vacant land. This space once held three houses. Number 8 was built in 1892. Number 10 dates to 1888.
Rue de la Rhétorique stands as a testament to the area’s scholastic history. Its architecture tells its own story. This street is more than just a passage. It is a journey through time and knowledge.