Beneath the Maison de l’Étoile, a Brussels hero discreetly watches over the city. The monument to Éverard t’Serclaes, much more than a simple sculpture, is a must-see for anyone wanting to sample the magic and history of Brussels. We tell you all about it.
The monument to Éverard t’Serclaes, a Brussels hero
It’s impossible to miss the Monument à Éverard t’Serclaes while strolling along the Grand-Place. Installed under the gallery of the Maison de l’Étoile, at the corner of rue Charles Buls, this masterpiece by Julien Dillens was inaugurated in 1902. The work is inspired by the funerary monuments of the Italian Renaissance, but above all tells the legend of a man who saved Brussels in 1356.
That night, Éverard t’Serclaes led a handful of patriots to liberate the city occupied by Flemish troops. This heroic deed earned him a special place in the hearts of the people of Brussels. But it also had a tragic end. Murdered in 1388 by rivals, he became the symbol of communal autonomy.
The monument – listed since 2002 – consists of three superimposed bas-reliefs. They illustrate key episodes in local history. First, the recapture of Brussels. Then, the joyous entry of Duchess Jeanne and Duke Wenceslas. And finally, the revenge of the inhabitants of Brussels against Gaesbeek Castle. Down below, the recumbent statue of Éverard t’Serclaes, draped in a shroud, intrigues. One detail is particularly noteworthy. It shows a woman removing a fowl from a basket. This is a reference to the nickname “Kiekefretters” (chicken eaters) given to the town’s inhabitants.
Stroking your luck: a Brussels ritual not to be missed
Today, the Monument à Éverard t’Serclaes has become a magnet for tourists and the superstitious alike. Legend has it that touching the statue brings good luck, protects against misfortune or grants wishes. Some recommend stroking the recumbent statue’s right hand, while others prefer to slide their hand over the dog at its side to attract good luck.
This ritual, deeply rooted in Brussels tradition, has even required several restorations. Wear and tear on the brass, polished by thousands of hands, forced the city to replace the original with a copy in 2016. The original now sits in a sheltered spot, while the copy continues to draw crowds under the arcades.
The monument to Éverard t’Serclaes remains a must-see, a secret to be discovered on your next trip to Brussels. Another legend has it that touching the statue will keep you coming back to Brussels! A good reason to be superstitious!