Tracing the cobblestones of Rue Saint-Denis Sint-Denijsstraat we journey back in time. This seemingly ordinary street in Forest holds secrets. It whispers tales of ancient pathways and bustling industry.
Rue Saint-Denis Sint-Denijsstraat wasn’t always called that. It once bore the name Molenlaan or Molenstraat meaning Mill Street. This reflects its connection to the Quakenbeek mill near Rue des Anciens Etangs. The street itself largely follows the course of the Geleytsbeek stream. This stream was filled in early in the 20th century.
The origins of Rue Saint-Denis Sint-Denijsstraat stretch back to the 13th century. It formed part of the Oude Vorstweg the Old Forest Road. Nuns from Forest and La Cambre were entrusted with its upkeep in 1255. This was a decision made by the aldermen of Brussels. The street’s current name honors Denis the Areopagite. He is the patron saint of Forest. The parish church in the center of Forest has been dedicated to him since the Middle Ages.
Rue Saint-Denis Sint-Denijsstraat wasn’t always residential. Its character changed dramatically over time. The oldest buildings date from the 1860s. They were mostly small houses. Many were destroyed or heavily altered. A brewery linked to a nearby abbey existed around 1880. No trace of it remains today.
The early 20th century saw the arrival of industries. These included a brewery a printing ink factory and the Franco-Suisse cheese factory. The latter was built in 1943 possibly on the site of the old brewery. It was expanded several times. Other businesses followed. These included the Le Renova water heater factory and buildings used by Citroën and later integrated into the Volkswagen-Audi factory. The S A des brevets Van Berkel also had buildings nearby.
Today Rue Saint-Denis Sint-Denijsstraat reflects this layered history. It’s a blend of residential and industrial architecture. A walk down this street is a journey through centuries of change. It’s a reminder of the vibrant and evolving nature of Brussels. The street’s quiet present belies a rich and complex past. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Forest.