What secrets does a street hold? Let’s unravel the story of Rue des Palais, also known as Paleizenstraat, right here in Brussels. Rue des Palais isn’t just any street. It’s a royal pathway, a tangible link between two worlds. This grand avenue stretches from Place de la Reine, marked by the Sainte-Marie Church, to Square Jules de Trooz. It bridges Schaerbeek and Brussels City, weaving through a tapestry of history. Rue des Palais earned its regal name. It was the chosen route of Belgian kings. They journeyed almost daily from their private residence, Laeken Palace, to their official seat of power, the Royal Palace of Brussels. Imagine the clatter of hooves and the grandeur of royal processions along Rue des Palais. In the aftermath of the 1830 revolution and Belgium’s newfound independence, a direct route between these two palaces became essential. The vision was there, but funds were scarce. In 1833, engineer Jean-Baptiste Vifquain and Schaerbeek’s mayor, Jean-François Herman, formed the “Société de la rue des Palais.” This ingenious initiative funded the street’s construction. They cleverly collected half a toll fee along the route and a small two-centime toll from each person crossing the Senne bridge. The project swiftly came to fruition, shaping the Rue des Palais we know today. Along Rue des Palais you’ll find notable landmarks. At number 11 stands an Art Deco house, a testament to architectural elegance. Guillaume Geefs, the sculptor and mayor of Schaerbeek, once called numbers 22 and 24 home. Number 27 houses Fedactio, a reminder of the street’s diverse history. And at number 42, the Queen’s Green Park offers a tranquil escape. As you stroll down Rue des Palais, remember its royal heritage. This thoroughfare has witnessed the passage of kings, the growth of a nation, and the stories of its people. The very stones seem to echo with history.
Rue Albert Meurice – Albert Meuricestraat
Serenity Bar a yoga studio sits on Rue Albert Meurice. This quiet street in Etterbeek Brussels holds a peaceful energy.