Ponds of Elsene

In times long past, this area was the marshy floodplain of the Maalbeek. The nuns of the Ter Kameren Abbey had four fish ponds constructed, one of which is located at the current site of Flagey Square. A small hamlet, Elsene, arose, named after the many alders that grew in the wet surroundings. The residents worked for the abbey mill, gathered firewood in the Sonian Forest, and transported it to the city. Now, only two ponds remain. The Maalbeek is, as mentioned, channeled underground. The two remaining ponds received their current romantic shape in 1871. Because they are so elongated, they resemble a flowing river with romantic little islands.

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