Manneken-Pis
If there is 1 “must visit” that you cannot ignore when visiting Brussels, it is Manneken-Pis.
The bronze statue, which can be found within walking distance of the Grand-Place, was made in the 17th century by J. Duquesnoy the Elder and is the personification of the mocking Brussels spirit. Manneken-Pis has become a legendary figure over the years.
His wardrobe includes about 800 lavishly decorated costumes, which were recently refreshed and placed in an attractive decor in the Museum of the City of Brussels. He received the oldest (known) costume in 1698 from the Elector of Bavaria.
Unfortunately, Manneken-Pis was also the victim of a whole series of vandalism. In 1745 he was kidnapped for the first time by the English. Two years later it was the turn of the French. When Louis XV was informed of the theft, he donated a lavish suit of gold brocade as his reparation and awarded the Manneken with the Cross of St. Louis. In 1817 the statue was stolen by a released French prisoner and later found in pieces. These fragments were used to make the statue that now adorns the antique fountain.
Near Meer
Slagerij Peter & Sabine
Bij den Boer
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