Rue de Russie – Ruslandstraat

Did Tsar Nicholas II ever stroll down Rue de Russie? It’s a question that hangs in the air as we stand before this Saint-Gilles street. Rue de Russie, or Ruslandstraat in Dutch, links Avenue Fonsny to Avenue de la Porte de Hal, intersecting Rue de Mérode. Its name, of course, evokes images of Russia, but the street’s story is firmly rooted in Brussels. Laid out in 1863 as part of Victor Besme’s urban plan, Rue de Russie began to take shape in the 1870s. Neoclassical houses sprung up, giving the street an air of elegant simplicity. Later, in the 1890s, eclectic-style buildings joined the mix. Many of these structures featured ground-floor commercial spaces, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of the city. One notable establishment was the Cusenier Brewery at number 41. Rue de Russie has also seen its share of change. The first section, on the odd-numbered side, faced demolition to make way for modern office and residential buildings. The even-numbered side underwent a dramatic transformation in the mid-1990s. A large office complex now occupies the entire block from numbers 24 to 36. But hidden within this modern landscape are echoes of a more unusual past. In 1920 and 1921, numbers 10 and 14 added a unique feature: covered towers for “tir à la perche,” a medieval archery sport. One of these towers still stands at number 14. Imagine archers aiming at a wooden bird perched high atop the tower, a scene that contrasts sharply with the bustling urban environment. Rue de Russie, a street of contrasts, where whispers of imperial Russia mingle with the rhythm of Brussels life.