The North-South rail link (Jonction)
The enduring complexity of a changing city
The North-South railway link is the largest urban development project that Brussels underwent in the 20th century. It cut right through the historic urban fabric, from the upper town around Guldenvliesstraat and the Grand Place to the lower town around Lemonnierlaan and the Molenbeek valley, leaving behind a concrete barrier that concentrated traffic and severed the connection between neighborhoods. What were once cohesive neighborhoods, such as the lively commercial districts and working-class neighborhoods of Putterij and Sint-Rochus, were fragmented, causing lasting damage to social structures and urban dynamics. During this tour, you will discover how this intervention affected the appearance, structure, and daily life in Brussels, and what vision the city is now developing to rebuild neighborhoods with a focus on green public space, livable areas, and new meeting places.
Brussels has always been a hub at the heart of Europe. What now appear to be narrow, winding medieval streets were once important stone roads connecting the city from east to west with the outside world. All trade routes converged on the Grand Place, in a city located between the world port of Bruges, Cologne on the Rhine, and Paris. The difference in elevation of more than 40 meters between the upper and lower towns created magnificent perspectives and historically grown axis connections, which still characterize modern Brussels.
During the walk, you will gain a unique insight into the historic and future city. You will learn how a multidisciplinary team is developing a master plan to reintegrate the North-South rail link into the city's East-West connections, how traffic flows are being reviewed, and how new spaces for culture, sports, and social interaction are being created. It is an opportunity to discover Brussels from north to south and from high to low, and to experience how the past, present, and future come together in a city that is constantly on the move. An introduction to what was, what is, and what will be.
Good to know
This city walk takes place in an urban environment where obstacles such as cobblestones, narrow sidewalks, and level differences cannot always be avoided. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
This walk takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Want to see more, discover more, hear more stories? Extend your walk by an extra hour and experience what others are missing!
This walk is a linear walk with a different end point. Don't want to walk back to the starting point? No problem: there is always a public transport stop nearby. At the start, you can agree on the end point with the guide.
Reservation and guide fee. We are exempt from VAT.
