RAMADA ^★★★★ BRUSSELS WOLUWE
Manneken Pis

In Brussels “Mennenken Pis” means “the little man who pisses”!

Located only 7 km from the Ramada^★★★★ Brussels Woluwe, a few steps from the Grand Place, Manneken Pis is undoubtedly one of the symbols of the city of Brussels.

From the top of its 55.5 centimeters, this bronze statuette is the talk of the world.

The current representation, conceived in 1965, is a true copy of the one created in 1620. The original copy is carefully preserved in Brussels itself, in the “Maison du Roi” which houses the City Museum.

Originally, the main function of the fountain was to distribute drinking water for the inhabitants. After several repairs were made to both the statue and the basin that collects the water, the boy found refuge in a recess, more removed from the passage, and was finally protected by a fence in 1851.

The city of Brussels having found a way to connect its houses to drinking water, Manneken Pis became a decorative element, just like the other fountains in the city.

Depending on the time of the year you travel, you can see the little boy wearing clothes or accessories related to national and world events of the moment (sporting events, festivities …). The objective is to entertain passers-by and to give a human dimension to the statuette.

Today, the people of Brussels identify with the toddler, and especially with what he represents, namely, a free spirit and the ability to override the opinions of others.

You will not fail to cross it at various stages of your stay, under various forms (images, objects memories…).

Few people know it, but Manneken Pis exists in a female version, under the name of Jeanneke Pis. You can also find this statue near the Grand-Place, Impasse de la Fidélité.

Practical information:

Address: Grand Place-Sud, at the intersection of Rue de l’Etuve and Rue du Chêne 1020 Brussels, Belgium