At a famous junction of streets in Brussels, not far from the Town Hall stands a monument that has caused quite a stir amongst tourists. Rosie Khdir introduces the Manneken Pis.

Brussels has many popular attractions such as the beautiful The Cinquantenaire Park, The Palace of Justice and The King’s House, but none are as amusing as this rather small bronze figure.

Manneken Pis is a statue of a young boy who urinates into the fountain bowl below and standing only 61cm high, it is a wonder that he draws such a crowd. He is thought to have originated in the Middle Ages as a mere decoration upon a fountain, but as the boy began to wither, the city ordered a new one to be made by sculptor Jerome Duquesnoy in 1619.

The purpose of this monument has always been a mystery and many interesting legends surround his meaning. One was the story of a young boy who relieved himself against the door of a witch’s house, which was situated on this site. The witch was so angry that she turned the boy to stone.

Another tale is of a two-year-old lord, Duke Godfrey III of Leuven, who in 1142 was placed in a basket in a tree to watch over his men as they fought the Berthouts. Legend has it that the boy then urinated all over the enemy troops who eventually lost the battle.

Similar statues are located in Hasselt, Ghent and Geraadsbergen, a city in Flanders which constantly fights Brussels for the title of the oldest Manneken Pis. In the past, the statue has been stolen several times by residents of the city, and has also had to be hidden during periods of war.

What is so delightful about this particular statue is the fact that he is often dressed up. The Manneken Pis of Brussels has over 600 costumes the first of which he received his on the 1st May 1698, given to him by the governor of the Austrian Netherlands. Since then his wardrobe has expanded enormously, to include outfits based on Elvis Presley, Mickey Mouse and even Santa Claus!

Les Amis de Manneken Pis are a non-profit organisation in charge of changing his attire in a special ceremony, often accompanied by a brass band. This boy was once even rigged to dispense beer during the festivities. You simply cannot visit Brussels without seeing this delightful and highly entertaining statue!

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Image credit: James Cridland

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