Monument à Charles De Coster, Brussels Travel Guide

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A tribute to Charles De Coster in Ixelles, celebrating the spirit of Flanders through his iconic characters, Thyl Ulenspiegel and Nele.

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Monument à Charles De Coster

The Monument to Charles De Coster in Ixelles, Brussels, is a bronze and stone tribute to the celebrated Belgian writer. Inaugurated in 1894, it uniquely depicts characters from his famous novel, *The Legend of Ulenspiegel*, rather than De Coster himself, capturing the spirit of Flemish rebellion and the voice of the people.

A brief summary to Monument à Charles De Coster

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Monument à Charles De Coster.

Take a stroll around the Ixelles Ponds after visiting the monument for a relaxing experience.
Read *The Legend of Ulenspiegel* to fully appreciate the monument's significance.
Visit the monument in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.

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Getting There

Walking

The Monument to Charles De Coster is located near the Ixelles Ponds. From Place Eugène Flagey, walk along the ponds on Avenue Général de Gaulle. The monument will be visible on your right, a short walk from the plaza. The walk is flat and paved.
Public Transport

The monument is accessible by tram or bus to Place Eugène Flagey. From there, follow the walking directions. A single tram or bus fare is typically around €2.50.

Discover more about Monument à Charles De Coster

Located near the picturesque Ixelles Ponds, the Monument to Charles De Coster commemorates the life and work of the influential Belgian writer Charles De Coster (1827-1879). De Coster, a French-speaking author, is best known for his novel *The Legend and the Heroic, Joyful and Glorious Adventures of Ulenspiegel and Lamme Goedzak in the Land of Flanders and Elsewhere* (1867), a work that embodies the heart and soul of Flanders, blending history, myth, and folklore.The monument, created by sculptor Charles Samuel with architect Frans De Vestel, was inaugurated fifteen years after De Coster's death on July 21, 1894. Instead of portraying the writer himself, the monument features bronze figures of Thyl Ulenspiegel and his companion Nele, characters from his famous novel. Ulenspiegel, a symbol of the Flemish rebel spirit, is depicted as a young man with a sword, looking towards the future. Nele, barefoot, represents tenderness and the inner voice of the people. The monument also incorporates other details from De Coster's tales, including a spinning wheel, owl, cat, and cooking pot.The decision to prioritize the literary figures over their author was considered bold for its time, affirming the power of fiction to embody collective values and shared identity. The monument serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring spirit of freedom, fidelity, and memory.