Square du Petit Sablon - Kleine Zavelsquare

The Square du Petit Sablon is a protected urban garden featuring numerous sculptures, fountains, and neatly maintained planting beds arranged in a symmetric design. A central water basin serves as the focal point, with pathways and green spaces radiating outward in regular geometric patterns.

The square opened in 1890 when architect Hendrik Beyaert transformed a former cemetery into a public garden at the initiative of Mayor Charles Buls. This conversion marked the beginning of the site's role as a place of remembrance and public gathering.

The bronze statues on gothic columns represent the historic craft guilds that shaped the city, while marble figures honor important personalities from Brussels' past. Walking through the garden, you can see how the city celebrates these traditions by displaying them alongside the plantings.

The garden remains open year-round with seasonal variations in hours. Summer hours extend until 20:30, while the colder months from October through March offer shorter access times.

Nine boxwood beds surrounding the central lawn map Belgium's historical provinces, while an additional crown-shaped flower bed represents the nation itself. This planting scheme tells the country's geographic and political story through living green forms.

Location: City of Brussels

Inception: 1876

Architects: Hendrik Beyaert

Official opening: 1890

Architectural style: Flemish neo-renaissance architecture

GPS coordinates: 50.83950,4.35658

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:20