Jardin du Roi, Historical garden between Avenue Louise and Ixelles ponds, Belgium
The Jardin du Roi is a formally laid out park in Ixelles that slopes gently from Avenue Louise down toward the ponds below. The pentagonal space spans about 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) and is organized by hornbeam hedges, with commemorative busts arranged along the main axis.
The site was established in 1873 when King Leopold II purchased the land from a Belgian real estate company to preserve views from Avenue Louise toward the ponds. This decision protected the sightline between the expanding city and the natural water below.
The garden's name reflects its connection to King Leopold II, whose white stone statue anchors the central path through the space. Visitors experience how this place was meant to protect the visual relationship between the city and the ponds below.
The garden has multiple entry points and features children's play areas arranged throughout the space. The gentle slope makes it easy to walk and explore for visitors of any mobility level.
The upper sections of the garden contain plane trees that are over a century old, their size and presence commanding the space. These trees frame the formal layout below and create a natural backdrop for the entire composition.
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