@travelreinhard: It's hard to imagine today, but Place Sainte-Catherine used to be underwater. For centuries, this wasn't a square at all. It was one of Brussels' busiest docks, packed with boats bringing timber, grain, fish and goods from across the region. The basin was dug in 1564 and became part of the city's thriving port. By the mid-1800s, however, the old dock was seen as outdated. In 1853, the water was filled in and something unexpected happened: Brussels built a church right on top of the former harbour. The Church of Saint Catherine, whose construction began in 1854, still stands where ships once floated. Designed by Joseph Poelaert—the same architect who later created the Palace of Justice—it transformed the old waterfront into one of the city's most recognizable squares. So next time you're sitting at a café on Place Sainte-Catherine, take a moment to imagine the scene 400 years ago. Where people now enjoy seafood and drinks, sailors once unloaded their cargo in the heart of Brussels' old harbour. #brussels #bruxelles #europe #histoire

travelreinhard

Open In TikTok:

Region: BE

Wednesday 17 June 2026 16:03:08 GMT