This 1902 statue by Julien Dillens can be found in one of the Grand Place buildings, the Maison de l’Etoile on Rue Charles Buls. On the exterior of the building is the sculpture of a reclining man, dying. His figure stands out brightly against the background as the statue has been kept polished by the hands of the many passers-by who touch it. It’s said that all wishes made while in contact with the statue come true. The statue is of Everard t’Serclaes and the reason the locals hold him in such high regard is as during the war of the Brabant succession in 1356, it is said that he almost single handedly expelled Flemish forces from the city. That’s why he was famously called the Liberator of Brussels. In 1388 he was attacked by the men of Sweder d’Adcoude, Lord of Gaesbeek, and died a few days later. The bas reliefs above the statue tell his story: one for the liberation, one for the reentry of Jeanne and Wenceslas, and the last showing how the people of Brussels avenged Everard’s death by razing Gaasbeek Castle to the ground. Located just off a huge square, where various events are held, this beautiful statue is definitely worth a short stop for its wonderful design and historical significance.

• Free to view.

• Subway 1, 5; Buses 29, 63, 65, 66 stop Gare Centrale.
• Trams 3, 4, 32 stop Beurs Bourse.
• Buses 48, 95 stop Parlement Bruxellois.

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