"An object of glory appreciated by all and renowned throughout the world"
It was drizzling by the time we left Grand Place. From there it was showing just two blocks in GPS. We walked along admiring the beautiful souvenir shops and waffle outlets. In the process we almost missed the bustling corner between the Rue de l’Étuv and the Rue du Chêne.
No amount of warning made us ready for the disappointment we had to endure seeing the statue of Manneken Pis in Brussels. After the initial dismay we looked at each other and laughed. To our surprise everyone around us doing the same thing and talking to each other in their respective language, just like how we did.
The iconic landmark of Brussels is this two-foot-tall bronze statue of a naked little boy peeing into a fountain basin. This was designed by Hiëronymus Duquesnoy the Elder in 1619. The present day statue is a replica made in 1965 while the original was housed in Museum of the city of Brussels. The original sustained many vandalism attempts and thefts. In 1695, it suffered the bombardment by the French Army. Yet again in 1747 French Grenardiers who were posted in Brussels stole the statue. People of Brussels rebelled against this act. To appease the crowd, King of France, Louis XV not only returned the statue but also granted Gentleman's gown of brocade, embroidered with gold. It is said he also commissioned Manneken Pis to be decked with St. Louis's cross and to carry the sword.
In 1745 the same sculpture was found in the city of Geraardsbergen allegedly stolen by British soldiers. As a token of gratitude people of Brussels gifted replica of Manneken to Geraardsbergen city. However, some say the said-city already possess the Manneken since 1459, much before Brussels could do and it is still a bone of contention which city owns the oldest statue.
Third time in 1817 it was stolen by a man named Antoine Licas who was forced to labour for life as a punishment. And two more attempts were made in 1955 and 1957. It was flinched again in 1963 by Antwerp student association called "De Wikings", only to return to the authorities after five days. It has been stolen for at least seven times, the latest being in 1965 and this time was mutilated. That made the authorities to think seriously, so now the restored original Manneken stays put in the City Museum in Grand Place.
It is still unclear why the Manneken Piss came into existence. Most deduce it to be symbolic with Belgians contempt for authority and their outlandish kind of sense of humor. One legend has it a rich merchant's young son went missing during their visit to the city. The terrified parents searched the city endlessly only to find the boy peeing on the corner. So, as a gratitude towards the people who helped him finding his son he had the statue built along with the fountain. Another legend goes something like this; around 13th century the city of Brussels was under the attack by enemies. A little boy named Julianske was spying on them and found the gunpowder in the enemy camp. Immediately he peeed on them to diffuse the arsenal, thus saving the city. As a tribute to that little boy Manneken Pis was erected.
Though small this little guy owns 965 individual costumes donated by kings, dignitaries, professionals, leaders, musicians from across the globe making him the most secular statue in the world. The museum in Grand Place displays all the outfits worn by him, some dating back to hundreds of years old and some designed by the top designers.
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| Belgian Chocolates |
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| He is quite popular in Waffle Shops |
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| Souvenirs |
Tips
-Entry: Open
-Near to Grand Place
-It is the place to have the best Belgian Waffles
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