What triumph does this street commemorate? The Rue de la Victoire or Overwinningsstraat is a vital artery in Saint-Gilles. It only partly follows the old path of the Fontaine and Haut-Pont roads. The history books are silent on which victory the Rue de la Victoire celebrates.
However some historians speculate. A. Eylenbosch and G. Lebrun suggest a possibility. They point to the proximity of Place Hermann Dumont. It was once called Place Mont-Saint-Jean. Also nearby is Place Paul Janson. Previously, it was Place de la Belle Alliance. These clues suggest the street might commemorate the Battle of Waterloo.
Let’s walk along this historical axis. The Rue de la Victoire stretches for one kilometer. It runs in a northwest to southeast direction. Starting at the Porte de Hal it ascends in a straight line. It meets the Chaussée de Charleroi forming Place Paul Janson.
As we stroll, notice the intersecting streets. We pass Rue Jourdan. Then we cross Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies. Further along is Rue de Parme. We also encounter Rue de Roumanie and Rue Saint-Bernard. Five smaller streets begin or end here. These include Rue de la Filature. Also Rue de Moscou, Rue du Métal. Plus Rue Maurice Wilmotte and Rue Moris.
Did you know locals have a name for the intersection? Where Rue de l’Hôtel des Monnaies meets Rue du Métal it’s called “the six corners crossroads.” On the even-numbered side you’ll see a pedestrian zone. This tree-filled area is the “Carré des Monnaies.” The illustrious Hôtel des Monnaies stood here. Sadly, it was demolished in 1979.
The Rue de la Victoire’s creation was approved in 1876. The first buildings appeared then. They were mainly residential. They targeted the bourgeoisie. Before that a few families owned the land. Prominent landowners included the Geef, Borre and Van Ysendijck families. Near the street’s base, the “Société de Filature de Lin et d’Étoupe” owned land. It was difficult for the municipality to expropriate it.
By the turn of the 20th century the street was fully built. Its look is largely neoclassical. Here and there are some beautiful eclectic buildings. These have polychrome facades. They often form small groups. Some buildings show unique features. Or they have a more opulent appearance. An example is the Art Nouveau mansion. It was designed by architect Joseph Purnelle. Also striking is the apartment building. Architect Pierre Verbruggen designed it in 1912. It reflects the spirit of the Viennese Secession. Towards the end of the street architect Charles De Wys built a complex. This was in 1932. It features six apartment buildings for the bourgeoisie. They are arranged in a U-shape around a central courtyard. The courtyard resembles a square.
The 20th century saw changes to the buildings. Window frames were replaced. Railings were removed. Single-family homes became multi-family dwellings. The ground floors suffered the most damage. Many commercial spaces had attractive storefronts. Unfortunately, they were removed and converted into housing. Some eclectic or neoclassical buildings were modernized. The 1960s saw the most stylistic changes. Many brick facings were added. Few buildings date from after the Second World War. These are mainly used as offices.
To counter the area’s general decline a revitalization program was launched. The Métal-Monnaies neighborhood contract ran from 2003 to 2007. It aimed to renovate existing housing. Also to ensure diversity by developing crafts and businesses. Plus beautifying public spaces. And involving residents.
Notably Adolphe De Baets was a prolific contractor. He worked extensively in Saint-Gilles. Especially on the Rue de la Victoire. He lived at number 195. Today the Rue de la Victoire stands as a testament to Brussels’ architectural evolution. It blends neoclassical elegance with eclectic charm. It reflects the changing fortunes of a vibrant community.