Square de l’Aviation

Walk through the triangular public gardens to the elaborate monument to fairground workers killed in action during the two world wars. The spot is a reminder of the Midi Fair which is held on the Petite Ceinture every year. On the other side of the road used to stand Brussels’ second city wall, dating back to the 14th century, which disappeared in the 1820s when the pedestrian boulevards were created. Today, neighbourhood committees are campaigning for the open-air car park on the ring road’s wide central reservation to be turned into a pleasant promenade once again. This would also improve the links between Cureghem and the city centre. Square de l’Aviation has already been made completely car-free.

The colourful building (nos. 23-31) of the former Prévoyance Sociale (1911) was an eye-catching landmark for strolling Brussels residents. In an otherwise poverty-stricken working-class neighbourhood, this colourful corner building advertised the socialist life insurance company set up to protect ordinary people against the bankruptcies to which private insurance companies were prone.

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