Place Sainte-Catherine

Planning your visit

Place Sainte-Catherine preserves the memory of Brussels’ former inner-harbour basins. The regional inventory describes the transformation of a ditch into a basin in the sixteenth century, then its filling in 1853. The present church was built in the middle of the space thus freed. A walk reveals this history in the square’s layout, the quay names and the neighbourhood façades. The square and church are two different subjects: you can explore the public space and its surroundings without assuming the religious building is accessible at that moment.

Practical tips

• Look for the quay names, which recall the port’s history.
• Distinguish the public space from the church’s entry conditions.
• Consult each establishment’s own information if you plan a meal break.

Documentation consulted on 2 November 2026. Check current conditions with the venue before your visit.

Sources

monument.heritage.brussels