Place du Petit Sablon (Petit Sablon Square), Brussels

The Sablon district, named after the yellow sandy soil found in the area, anchors the southern part of the Upper Town. At its heart lies the Petit Sablon square, a small rectangular area that was transformed into a public garden in 1890, having previously served as a horse market.

The garden is enclosed by a beautiful wrought-iron fence adorned with 48 statuettes representing medieval guilds. Inside, near the top of the slope, you'll find ten slightly larger statues honoring significant figures from Belgium's 16th century. While these figures may not be widely recognized outside of Belgium, a few might be familiar to some – Mercator, the renowned geographer and cartographer known for Mercator's projection of the Earth's surface; William the Silent, often considered the founder of the Netherlands; and the painter Bernard van Orley. Additionally, on top of the fountain, you'll see the figures of Counts Egmont and Hoorn, who were beheaded on the Grand-Place in 1568 for their opposition to the Habsburgs.

Count Egmont is further commemorated by the Egmont Palace ("Palais d’Egmont") located at the rear of the square. This elegant building, originally constructed in 1534 for Françoise of Luxembourg, the mother of the executed count was where the United Kingdom signed the accession treaty to join the European Economic Community (now the European Union) in 1972.

Why You Should Visit:
To experience the tranquility of this oasis in the midst of the city. The fountain is soothing, the landscaping is well-maintained, and the ring of statues is intriguing.

Tip:
Take a leisurely stroll around the park and try to identify the professions represented by the 48 bronze statues. While some may be challenging to decipher due to the passage of time, it's a fun and worthwhile activity!