Background

Square of Petit Sablon: A Tranquil Oasis in Brussels

Discover a serene oasis in Brussels: a historic garden adorned with sculptures, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.

4.6

The Square of Petit Sablon is a small, beautifully landscaped garden in Brussels, known for its tranquil atmosphere and historical significance. Created in 1890, it features a symmetrical layout, wrought-iron fencing adorned with 48 bronze statues representing medieval guilds, and a central fountain with statues of Counts Egmont and Hornes.

A brief summary to Square of Petit Sablon

  • Monday 8:15 am-7:45 pm
  • Tuesday 8:15 am-7:45 pm
  • Wednesday 8:15 am-7:45 pm
  • Thursday 8:15 am-7:45 pm
  • Friday 8:15 am-7:45 pm
  • Saturday 8:15 am-7:45 pm
  • Sunday 8:15 am-7:45 pm

Local tips

  • Take a leisurely stroll around the park and identify the professions represented by the 48 bronze statues on the wrought-iron fence.
  • Visit the square during different seasons to appreciate the changing colors and atmosphere of the garden.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Church of Our Lady of the Sablon and the Grand Sablon Square.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Grand Place, walk south along Rue Charles Buls, then turn left onto Rue de la Madeleine. Continue onto Place de la Chapelle, then turn right onto Rue de la Régence. The Square of Petit Sablon will be on your left, a 10-minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take tram lines 92 or 93 to the 'Petit Sablon' stop, which is located next to the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon. The Square of Petit Sablon is a short walk from the tram stop. A single journey ticket costs €2.30 if purchased before boarding.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Brussels Central Station, a taxi or ride-share to the Square of Petit Sablon typically costs between €10 and €15, depending on traffic and the specific service. The journey usually takes around 5-10 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Square of Petit Sablon

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Square of Petit Sablon

The Square of Petit Sablon (Place du Petit Sablon in French, Kleine Zavel in Dutch) is a hidden gem in the heart of Brussels, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. This small, rectangular garden, located near the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon, is a testament to the city's rich history and artistic heritage. Originally, the site was a cemetery dependent on Saint John Hospital from 1289 to 1706. In the 1880s, Mayor Charles Buls decided to transform the space into an attractive garden, designed by architect Henri Beyaert and inaugurated in 1890. The garden's symmetrical layout and neo-Renaissance style create a serene and elegant atmosphere. The square is enclosed by a superb wrought-iron balustrade, inspired by one that once decorated the Coudenberg Palace. The balustrade is punctuated by 48 Gothic columns, each topped with a unique bronze statuette representing a medieval guild or profession. These detailed sculptures offer a glimpse into the city's past, depicting trades such as stone-cutters, linen croppers, and tallow makers. At the heart of the garden stands a monumental fountain featuring statues of Counts Egmont and Hornes, who were executed in 1568 for their resistance to Spanish tyranny. The monument, created by Ch. A. Fraikin in 1864, was initially erected on the Grand Place before being moved to Petit Sablon in 1879. Ten marble statues of notable 16th-century figures surround the fountain, each housed in a niche of climbing ivy. The garden's plant ornamentation also carries symbolic meaning, with nine clumps of trimmed boxwood representing the nine Belgian provinces of the time. The Square of Petit Sablon provides a tranquil escape and a chance to reflect on Brussels' history and artistry.

Popular Experiences near Square of Petit Sablon

Popular Hotels near Square of Petit Sablon

Select Currency