The best running trails around Jette

The Coudenberg neighbourhood in Brussels is a historically significant area on a hill that served as the seat of counts, dukes, and emperors (including Charles V) from the 12th to the 18th century. After a fire in 1731, the palace was destroyed and rebuilt over; today, visitors can explore the underground archaeological foundations of the old palace beneath Place Royale and the Royal Palace.

First, a thought about the information panel 'Godevaart van Bullioen - First King of Jerusalem'. Did you think the King of Jerusalem was JESUS? Historical info about the statue: since 1848, the equestrian statue of Godfrey of Bouillon has graced Brussels' Royal Square. The bronze artwork was made by the Liège sculptor Eugène Simonis (1810-1882). The recently independent Belgium wanted to stimulate national feeling by remembering one of the leaders of the First Crusade (1096-1099). But who was this Godfrey, and how was he immortalized in the Brussels cityscape? Find out on the website https://historiek.net/godfried-van-bouillon-leider-eerste-kruistocht/70021/

Godfrey of Bouillon, honored here as an equestrian statue, takes us back in time to the late 11th century; geographically, however, to the town of Bouillon, then the seat of the Duchy of Lower Lorraine (of which he was Duke) and today part of Neufchâteau in Wallonia, where a monument is also dedicated to him (if interested, see =>> https://www.komoot.com/de-de/highlight/5853588 ). In the second geographical perspective, however, this man takes us much farther away, across the Mediterranean to the Holy Land. He participated as a leading figure in the First Crusade and the conquest of Jerusalem. After the city's capture, he was to become king of the crusader kingdom of Jerusalem, but he rejected such a title, arguing that the only king over Jerusalem could be Christ himself, who was crucified and buried here—and resurrected.

At lunchtime it's perfect for jogging or running training!

The majestic Maison du Roi (King's House), which houses the Brussels City Museum, is part of the architectural ensemble of the famous Grand Place and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The neo-Gothic building, which was completed in the 19th century according to the plans of the architect Pierre-Victor Jamaer, is a replica of a late Gothic building of the 16th century. The Brussels City Museum housed here contains exhibitions and collections on the history of the city of Brussels, urban development, archaeology, art and city life, etc. Brussels folklore is also highlighted. For example, a separate room is dedicated to Manneken Pis's wardrobe. Since February 2017, it even has its own museum: GardeRobe MannekenPis at 19 Rue du Chêne, right next to the famous fountain figure.

Brussels Town Hall is an elegant 15th-century building located on the magnificent Grand Place in the heart of the historic city centre.

A little gem of nature where you feel far from the city, yet very close.

Nic's Dreams is a realistic comic strip, largely inspired by the American comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland (published mainly between 1905 and 1914, with a brief comeback in 1924-1926). At that time, psychoanalysis and dream analysis were booming. The public was fascinated by Little Nemo's subconscious. Its fantasy and modernity made it a pioneering work of comics. In the second half of the 20th century, Little Nemo was rediscovered and enjoyed renewed success in the United States, where tributes, references and adaptations multiplied. In 1969, the first French translation was published, contributing to the distribution of this comic strip in Belgium. Philippe Vandooren (under the pseudonym Morphée) then decided to pay tribute to this series and created Nic's Dreams in 1980, with his brother-in-law, the cartoonist Hermann. As in Little Nemo, the dreams and subconscious of a boy of about ten are at the heart of the albums. His plastic toys come to life to become his friends. Together, they live great adventures and imaginary epics. Nic's parents never appear, but we can sometimes hear them in the distance. This poetic, fanciful and sometimes absurd universe was first published in the Spirou newspaper in 1980, before being the subject of three albums. The readership of the newspaper, mainly children, did not, however, adhere to the world of comics. Philippe Vandooren, who became editor-in-chief of Spirou, ended up stopping the series in 1983. When Hermann was contacted to draw a fresco of the Parcours BD, he chose to represent Nic in the middle of his dreams. Philippe Vandooren, in poor health, died a few months after this fresco was completed. In 2022, the American comic strip Little Nemo in Slumberland will be adapted into a film. For the occasion, Nemo will be replaced by a heroine: Nema.