The Sainte-Catherine neighbourhood: the history of Brussels' old port
Le Pré Salé ·
A stone's throw from the Grand-Place, Sainte-Catherine retains the spirit of a neighbourhood once home to boatmen and fishmongers.
A port in the heart of the city
For centuries, a series of docks connected Brussels to the sea via the Willebroek Canal. Boats moored along quays with evocative names: quai aux Briques and quai au Bois à Brûler.
The docks were filled in during the 19th century, but the outlines of the quays can still be traced in the streetscape.
The church and the square
Sainte-Catherine Church, built in the 19th century by Joseph Poelaert, dominates the square, surrounded by café terraces and fishmongers' shops.
A neighbourhood of seafood restaurants
Reflecting this maritime heritage, the neighbourhood is home to a wealth of seafood restaurants. On rue de Flandre, Le Pré Salé has been keeping the tradition of Brussels-style mussels alive for over 40 years.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Sainte-Catherine neighbourhood far from the Grand-Place?
- No, it's only about a ten-minute walk via boulevard Anspach or rue Sainte-Catherine.
