Travel by Photos – Manneken Pis of Brussels
Arguably the most sought after travel attraction in Brussels, Manneken Pis is a little naked boy bronze fountain sculpture created in 1619 by a Belgian sculptor. What made it so popular is his peeing action in front of a fountain’s basin. It is located at the junction of Rue de l’Étuve/Stoofstraat and Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat, which is a few hundred metres from the Grand Place, another ‘must-visit’ tourist spot of Brussels.
This is the shot of the Manneken Pis from where most other photographers are taking. You would probably be amazed by the action of peeing from the naked boy. There are many stories behind the scene, telling people why he is so popular. One of the most fascinating is the story of how this little boy lead his troops to victory in a battle when he peed on the head of his enemies!
If you are viewing from the other angle, you realise the ‘urine’ is actually coming from a small hose connected to the statue. 🙁
This is the overall view of the Manneken Pis. It is in fact a little boy standing up high on a fountain basin.
Don’t get confused with all those images of Manneken Pis published in magazines or websites. If you think Manneken Pis is something big in size, you will mostly be disappointed when you see it in real life. Look at the photo above! No exclusive compound, no nothing, Manneken Pis is just a small little bronze statue tucked in the corner of an old row of shop houses. 🙁 Chocolate and waffle shops along the roads around it are more exciting to me!
Eventhough Manneken Pis is not as great a bronze sculpture creation as others such as the Benvenuto Cellini’s “Perseus With the Head of Medusa” found in Piazza della Signoria of Florence, it is still a significant cultural icon of Brussels and Belgium. Where would you think of when you spot the image of this little naked boy peeing? Brussels! 🙂 – Travel Feeder, your ultimate photo and travel guide to Europe
About The Author
Cecil Lee
The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.
At the time i visited brussels the mannekin pis was ’emitting’cherry flavoured beer but it was still a very disappointing sight after all the hype. Time is much better spent sampling moules frites, chocolate and of course the fantastic beers!
- April 15, 2012Yeah I hate that feeling when you’ve built something up in your head and then it disappoints. It does look alot bigger in the first pictures. Great Blog. 🙂
- April 16, 2012