The little urinating guy is THE symbol of Brussels. Manneken Pis is also known as "Petit Julien". There are similar bronze statues or replicas in Geraardsbergen, Duisburg, Tokyo and other cities. However, the statue in Brussels is the oldest, which the people of Brussels are very proud of.
The bronze statue is located on the corner of Rue de l'Etuve and Rue des Grands Carmes. The little man is actually only 61 cm tall. This is why many tourists tend to be disappointed when they see him for the first time. But the story of Manneken Pis is an exciting one: after everything the little man has had to endure, he thoroughly deserves his fame. The bronze statue by sculptor Jérôme Duquesnoy was erected in 1619, at the time still on a column. It replaced a previous figure (also a peeing boy). The fountain served as a source of clean drinking water for the people of Brussels. In 1770, the column disappeared and the stone niche that still exists today was created. According to legend, the model was the little boy Julianske, who overheard enemy besiegers and urinated at the right moment on an already burning fuse. In this way, he prevented the city walls from being blown up.
Manneken Pis in the Red Devils jersey (nickname of the Belgian national soccer team) Archive image © Laurie Dieffembacq/Belga
According to another legend, a little boy went missing in the city center. His mother launched a huge search involving many people. Eventually, the boy was found urinating on a street corner. Manneken Pis has always been a symbol of cheekiness and courage, but also of freedom of expression and the spirit of resistance. Manneken Pis has been stolen at least seven times and has been broken several times. As protection against further thefts, a replica subsequently took the place of Manneken Pis. The original can be found in the Museum of the City of Brussels in the Maison du Roi on the Grand Place. The statue is dressed up for special occasions. And these occasions take place regularly.
