Paul De Smet de Naeyerpark

This park is located in the Sint-Pieters-Aalst district. It used to be part of the Sint-Pieters-buiten-de-muren estate and belonged to the Sint-Pieters Abbey. In 1913, the World Expo was held on these grounds. In 1926, the neighborhood was developed as a typical affluent residential area, colloquially known as the Miljoenenkwartier.

The blueprints for the World Expo largely determined the layout of the neighborhood. The current Paul de Smet de Naeyer Square formed the center. In 1918, Count Paul de Smet de Naeyer, honorary president of the World Expo, named what was previously known as Grondwetplaats after himself. He also received a bust in the park.

A striking feature in the park is still the statue of the Ros Beiaard. Sculptors Alois De Beule and Domien Ingels were responsible for the design. The statue was so heavy that it could no longer be moved after the World Expo. It has remained in place.

Camina