Square of Petit Sablon Travel Guide

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.