We’re not called Bruxelles Secrète for nothing! Our team loves to spend time finding you all the little nuggets to visit and discover. And that goes for Brussels and the surrounding area. Today, discover 7 wonderful little-known places and hidden treasures in Brussels that you (maybe) didn’t even know existed…
The Pelgrims House
La Maison Pelgrims, this prestigious Flemish neo-Renaissance mansion dates back to 1905 and was designed by Adolphe Pirenne. It’s a true gem of Saint-Gilles, hidden away at the entrance to the Pierre Paulus park. Its Art Deco interior, oak staircase and incredible winter garden featuring exotic plants and a mosaic fountain can be visited according to the exhibitions.
📍Address: Rue de Parme 69, 1060 Saint-Gilles
🚇 Horta
La Bellone
Located behind number 46 rue de Flandre, La Bellone is a cultural and artistic house with a most unusual appearance: its Renaissance-style residence is located inside a large building covered by a glass roof! This incredible juxtaposition of architectural styles is the work of artists J. and E. L.-Torenhajm and O. Noterman (the house is by S. Creuz).
📍 Address: Rue de Flandre 46, 1000 Brussels
🚇Sainte-Catherine
L’Aegidium
The Aegidium was built in 1905 by architect G. Segers. It skilfully blends art nouveau and Moorish art. It was used as a cinema from 1933 to 1979. Its walls, almost all covered in mirrors, add to a winter garden, a café and tabagerie (closed), a grand staircase, two halls (Moorish and ballroom) and an incredible hall of mirrors.
📍Address: Parv. de Saint-Gilles 18, 1060 St-Gilles
🚇 Parvis Saint-Gilles
The Black Tower
Hidden behind the Église Sainte-Catherine (and totally at odds with the surrounding red-brick residences), the Tour Noire is one of the best-preserved remains of Brussels’ first medieval city wall (13th century). Admire its stonework, ivy-covered base, the corbels of its conical roof and the slender loopholes cut into the façade.
📍 Address: Pl. Sainte-Catherine 29, 1000 Brussels
🚇Sainte-Catherine
On the same theme: At 40, boulevard de l’Empereur, another (rather soon-to-be-preserved) vestige of the city’s ancient walls can be seen:
Impasse Saint-Nicolas
Almost invisible, hidden between an optician and a canning specialist, Impasse Saint-Nicolas is a real gem. It’s tucked away in the rue du Marché aux Herbes, and looks like a village alley once you pass its pretty green porch. Although the sign at the entrance reads “Au Bon Vieux Temps” (in reference to its café), the Impasse is home to many wonders, including an art gallery.
📍 Address: Rue du Marché aux Herbes 12/14, 1000 Brussels
🚇 Bourse
Rue Porselein
A picturesque little street in the historic center of Anderlecht, Rue Porselein links the square in front of the collegiate church of Saint-Guidon to Rue Saint-Guidon. This Porseleinstraat was at one time translated as “Rue de la Porcelaine“, but eventually reverted to “Rue Porselein” as the translation was deemed too literal. It’s one of Brussels’ prettiest hidden treasures, with its splendidly colored little houses.
📍 Address: Rue Porselein, 1070 Anderlecht
🚇Saint-Guidon
Rue de la Cigogne
📍 Address: Near Rue du Rempart des Moines 19, 1000 Brussels
🚇Sainte-Catherine