Covering of the Senne river begins in Brussels

Background. By the mid-19th century, the Senne had become a serious health hazard in Brussels, having lost its usefulness as a navigable waterway to newer canals. In 1865, Mayor Jules Anspach selected architect Léon Suys' design to cover the river and build a series of grand central boulevards and public buildings. King Leopold II expressed the wish that Brussels succeed in getting rid of the 'cesspool' called the Senne before the end of his reign.

Contract and Execution. Anspach awarded the work to the private Belgian Public Work Company, signing the contract on 15 June 1866. The project required three years and significant subsidies, with the river covering absorbing two-thirds of the 18 million francs granted. The massive operation involved thousands of workers and began in February 1867.

Urban Transformation. The covering allowed for the construction of grand central boulevards, such as the Boulevard Anspach and Boulevard Adolphe Max, laid out between 1869 and 1871. Public buildings, including the Bourse Palace, were constructed as part of Suys' beautification program, creating the modern downtown Brussels seen today.