Square of Petit Sablon, Flanders Travel Guide

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Discover a peaceful oasis in Brussels: a historic square with beautiful gardens, intricate statues, and a tranquil atmosphere.

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Square of Petit Sablon

The Square of Petit Sablon, or Place du Petit Sablon, is a small, exquisitely landscaped park in Brussels, Belgium. Inaugurated in 1890, it's known for its wrought-iron fence adorned with 48 bronze statuettes representing medieval guilds. The square provides a tranquil escape with historical and artistic significance.

A brief summary to Square of Petit Sablon

Pl. du Petit Sablon 12, Brussels, Brussel, 1000, BE
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Square of Petit Sablon.

Take a leisurely walk around the park to identify the professions represented by the 48 bronze statues on the fence.
Visit the nearby Notre Dame du Sablon church and the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert for a full day of sightseeing.
Combine your visit with a trip to the Grand Sablon Square, known for its antique shops and cafes.

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Getting There

Walking

If you are near the Grand Place, the Square of Petit Sablon is approximately a 10-minute walk. Head south, passing the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, and continue towards the Church of Our Lady of Sablon. The Square of Petit Sablon is located just south of the church.
Public Transport

From Brussels Central Station, take Metro Line 1 or 5 to 'Parc' station. From there, walk approximately 15 minutes to the garden. Alternatively, tram lines 92 and 93 stop nearby at Petit Sablon. Bus routes 33, 48, 95 and 96 also serve the area, with stops at Chapelle / Kapellekerk or Royale. A single public transport ticket costs €3.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Brussels. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Square of Petit Sablon typically costs between €7 and €9 and takes approximately 4 minutes. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also available.

Discover more about Square of Petit Sablon

The Square of Petit Sablon is a captivating public garden nestled in the heart of Brussels. Once a horse market and previously a cemetery dependent on the Saint-Jean hospital from 1289 to 1706, the square was transformed into a public garden in 1890 by architect Henri Beyaert. The design is symmetrical, with plant ornamentation symbolizing the nine Belgian provinces of the time.The square is enclosed by an ornate wrought-iron fence, featuring 48 unique bronze statuettes atop Gothic columns, each representing a medieval guild. Inside, along the slope, stand ten slightly larger statues honoring significant figures from Belgium's 16th century, including Mercator, William the Silent, and Bernard van Orley.At the center of the park stands a fountain crowned with statues of Counts Egmont and Hoorn, who were beheaded in 1568 for their resistance to Spanish rule. The Egmont Palace, located behind the square, further commemorates Count Egmont. The square provides a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, inviting visitors to stroll, relax, and appreciate its beauty and historical context.