This walk takes you in the footsteps of the Zenne within the Pentagon, past the recent archaeological excavations by urban.brussels, as well as older discoveries. The river may have disappeared from the urban landscape after its vaulting in the second half of the 19th century, but it has left a lasting mark on the city centre. Witnessing a time when only mammoths and other prehistoric animals inhabited the valley, it would later become inextricably linked to the origins of Brussels, where a portus is mentioned as early as the 11th century. The Senne plays an important role in the development of town planning and craft and industrial activities. It was also an important waterway until the Willebroek Canal was opened in 1561. The walk follows the river from its entry into the city through the Great Lock, via the 14th-century second city wall and place Saint-Géry, to the site of the old medieval port, below today’s Brucity (rue des Halles / Marché au Poulet).

Collaboration urban.brussels – Vrije Universiteit Brussel – Art & History Museum

Book your guided tour by sending an email to archeologie@urban.brussels, specifying the type of event/the site, the number of people, the time and the language.

Practical information

Guided tours in Dutch and English on Saturday 14/06/2025 & Sunday 15/06/2025

Meeting point: in front of the entrance to the STIB/MIVB Lemmonier station (at the intersection of Boulevard Lemmonier and Boulevard du Midi)

Maximum 15 persons per guided tour

Reservation compulsory

Accessible for PRM

Schedule of guided tours (Duration of the tour : 1h20  – 2 km of walking)

Saturday 14/06/2025

Guided tours in Dutch and English

10:00 (NL)

14:00 (ENG)

Sunday 15/06/2025

Guided tours in Dutch and English

10:00 (NL)

14:00 (ENG)