MARKET HALL ST. GERY - BRUSSELS

September 2, 2014

When you have a visitor from abroad, you also discover new things in your own town. That happened to me when I wanted to show the ancient Market Hal of St. Géry to a friend.  I had never been there since the market halls had been renovated and the whole area around had changed. The covered market halls stand on a site where once the church of Saint-Géry stood, which was built in the 16th century.

Around this historic centre also stood four watermills, the sources of power of medieval industry. This place belongs to the historic heart of Brussels. After the church was demolished during the French Revolution, an obelisk fountain which came from the Grimbergen abbey was erected in the middle of the square. The Saint-Géry market was built in 1881 around this obelisk. The 3 floors of the hall was inaugurated in 1882 and was a very busy market hall.

Saint-Gery market continued its activities for many years, but became increasingly neglected by the traders after the Second World War and was finally closed in 1977.

The building is today one of the listed buildings in the Brussels region since January 21, 1987. Today it houses two associations entrusted with the heritage and environment of Brussels, and many exhibitions are held there.

Around the Hal Saint Géry there are now many restaurants, brasseries and bars.
In fact, the whole place around the market is very lively. It is a place of rendezvous for Brussels inhabitants, who come here to enjoy the many outdoor cafés.

Many designers are also installed around the square and the area is a very trendy and attractive place.





The halls from outside



There are 3 floors.



On the first floor around the obelisk are tables seats, sofas



and even a place with beach chairs.



There is also a bar for those who are thirsty





The view from the first floor to the second floor.



and down, where people play chess, backgammon or cards.



We were there in the morning so the place wasn't not yet so busy.





On the second floor was an exhibition about energy in Europe



and in the basement old photos and posters from the worker's unions.





houses around







and the restaurants and bars.

It is a real nice place to visit and I surely will go back there.