"Manneken Pis", Brussels.

Manneken Pis is a world-renowned bronze fountain sculpture in Brussels, Belgium, depicting a naked little boy urinating into the fountain’s basin.

The name “Manneken Pis” literally means “Little Man Pee” in Marols, a Dutch dialect spoken in Brussels. It is also known as le Petit Julien in French. This statue bearing a similar cultural significance as the Statue of Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, was designed and implemented by Jerome I Duquesnoy (alternatively written as Hieronimus Duquesnoy) around 1618-1619.

Surprisingly small for such a significant figure it only measures 61 cm in height. This statue was stolen several times and current statue is in fact a replica of the original, installed in 1965. The original is said to be kept at the Maison du Roi/Broodhuis on the Grand Place.

History

There are a number of interesting legends behind this statue suggesting the reason for its origin. The most famous is the one about Duke Godfrey III of Leuven. In 1142, the troops of this two-year-old lord were battling against the troops of the Berthouts, the lords of Grimbergen, in Ransbeke (now Neder-over-Heembeek). The troops put the infant lord in a basket and hung the basket in a tree to encourage them. From there, the boy urinated on the troops of the Berthouts, who eventually lost the battle.

Another story (told often to tourists) tells of a wealthy merchant who, during a visit to the city with his family, had his beloved young son go missing. The merchant hastily formed a search party that scoured all corners of the city until the boy was found happily urinating in a small garden. The merchant, as a gift of gratitude to the locals who helped out during the search, had the fountain built.

For whatever reason it was built, now this cute little statue is being duplicated all over the world, decorating fountains, gardens, mansions etc.

Getting There…

If you are starting from Gare du Midi station on foot:

1. Continue North-East along Europaesplanade (350 m).
2. Then walk along Av. de Stalingrad/Stalingradlaan for 500 m.
3. Passing the round-about continue along Rue du Midi/Zuidstraat for another 350 m.
4. Turn right into Lievevrouwbroerstraat and continue for 70 m.
5. “Manneken Pis” should be on your left across the junction.

Souvenirs on a nearby shop window...

Charges

Admission is free.

Attractions Nearby

• Grand Palace, Brussels. (0.25 km)

Travel Notes

Following are based on the visit to the venue on 2010-07-24.

• Although situated at a narrow street corner hidden amidst the ancient buildings, this place could always be crowded with tourists.
• Don't be surprised if you feel dissapointed when you reach there. According to most visitors; "...it is a place where you should visit once and feel dissapointed as there is nothing much to see!".

Replicas made out of chocolate!