In search of Madame Janssens in the Havenwijk district

A facade tells you a lot about who lived there. This is especially true in the Havenwijk (Harbor District). This district behind Tour & Taxis is in full development and has a rich past. Around 1900, it was laid out as a connection between the royal palace in Laeken and the center. Wealthy citizens were quick to build their townhouses there. Workers were housed in new types of residential blocks, often built by prestigious architects. Also new were the chic apartments that were placed on the corners of the large avenues, as beacons for the new bourgeoisie. Facade decorations in mosaic or sgraffito were hugely in fashion. Did you know that the images above doors and windows tell you everything about the dreams and life of the residents? During this walk, we walk with our noses in the air, in search of bourgeois ladies, mysterious animals, and yes, even aviators!