Place Sainte-Catherine - Sint-Katelijneplein, Square in City of Brussels, Belgium

Place Sainte-Catherine is an elongated square in the center of Brussels, stretching on both sides of the Church of Saint Catherine and running perpendicular to Quai aux Briques and Quai au Bois à Brûler. It is bordered by a mix of old and newer buildings, with the small medieval Black Tower standing among them and cobblestone streets leading away from the open area.

The square occupies the site of former port basins that were filled in during the late 19th century, after serving as the heart of Brussels' inner harbor since the 16th century. A fish market opened on the newly created space, replacing the water with streets and buildings that shaped the area seen today.

Today the square hosts seasonal markets and food gatherings where visitors can taste local products, with the nearby fish market keeping a link to the area's port past. A contemporary art space called La Centrale sits close by, adding a modern cultural layer to the old stone surroundings.

The square is easy to reach by metro, with Sainte-Catherine station on lines 1 and 5 opening right onto the area. Wide sidewalks make strolling comfortable, and many cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating offer a chance to pause and watch the daily rhythm of the neighborhood.

The Black Tower, partly hidden behind the Church of Saint Catherine, is a surviving fragment of the city's first wall from the 13th century, now surrounded by much newer buildings. Its dark stones feel out of step with the square around it, making it an easy detail to miss unless you walk behind the church.