If there’s one landmark you should definitely see in Brussels, Belgium, it should be Manneken Pis, the small statue of a peeing boy. It has a lot of interesting stories behind it, this so-called symbol of the rebellious spirit of Brussels.
Manneken Pis, made by sculptor Jerome Duquesnoy in 1388, is a small bronze fountain sculpture, less than three feet high, urinating into a basin. He has a lot of costumes, replaced every now and then to fit the season and event.
When I saw him (okay, I know I should call him “it” but I identify him as a boy!), he was fully dressed in red, with no pee in sight, as it was winter.
Manneken Pis, the small peeing boy (2020 photo)
There are a lot of stories about Manneken Pis; a common thread running along them is that the boy used his pee to defeat Belgium’s enemy, either by urinating on the attacking soldiers, causing an explosion with his urine, or putting out a fire by peeing on it, thereby saving the kingdom.
Weird, eh?
Visiting Manneken Pis is definitely one of the best things to do in Belgium. Most tourists coming from the Brussels Town Hall and the Grand Place automatically go to him afterwards. The street leading up to his fountain is lined with chocolate stores and waffle shops. Loved my very touristy waffle with a lot of cream on top (5 euros!).
The super touristy (but must-taste) waffles (2020 photo)
Did you know though that Manneken Pis also has a “sister”? The statue of Jeanneke Pis was made only in the mid 1980s to provide a counterpart to Manneken Pis. It depicts a small girl-child in pigtails, squatting to pee, seemingly happy and content with what she’s doing.
Jeanneke Pis peeing in Brussels (2020 photo)
Almost nobody visits Jeanneke Pis, though. She’s located in a narrow alley off Rue des Bouchers, a street full of restaurants. The statue is also enclosed in iron bars for protection against vandals, making it hard to appreciate her.
The small alley leading to the fountain of Jeanneke Pis (2020 photo)
Still, Jeanneke Pis is relatively young, compared to her centuries-old “brother.” So when you go to Brussels, do her a favor and visit her. Throw a coin into her fountain and make a wish, for it is said that whoever does so will have their wish come true.
The peeing dog, Zinneke Pis (2020 photo)
Finally, go visit Manneke and Jeanneke’s peeing dog, Zinneke Pis. Zinneke is not close to the Grand Place, but the walk to its location in Rue des Chartreux is very doable.
Unlike the children, though, Zinneke is not a fountain but an art installation. Created by Tom Frantzen in 1998, Zinneke (the Flemish word for “mongrel”) was modeled after the artist’s own dog.
Belgium does have its share of unique and quirky statues (like the fat man in the town of Pamel) and fountains. Check some out when you’re there!
Aleah Taboclaon is a location independent writer, editor, and the travel blogger behind Solitary Wanderer. She's partial to slow travel, and prefers extreme adventures like hiking and caving over sightseeing. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Follow her on Instagram and Pinterest!
Latest posts by Aleah Taboclaon (see all)
- The Tale of Tonyo the Brave - June 14, 2022
- Things To Do in São Paulo, Brazil: Visit the Consolação Cemetery - October 31, 2021
- Solo Travel Tips: Brussels, Belgium - February 17, 2021
23 Comments. Leave new
It’s weird how small the statue is and how hidden it is. It takes a while to find it.
@ Christine: I know. Can’t wait to go back for its beers! <3
@ Jherson: Yeah, it was winter. The "pee" would immediately harden and turn to ice hehe
Bakit walang pee? Nagyelo ba? Hehe…
Awesome! My favorite part about Belgium was definitely the chocolate and waffles! And the beer! The Belgians really know whats important in life! Great post.
@ Mary: Yeah, Jeanneke is so bare. Maybe that’s why she’s kept hidden hehe
@ Marisol: Too bad it was bad timing when you were there! I can’t believe the sack wasn’t removed!
HI Aleah, the giant mannequin pis next to you is so hysterical!
It’s so interesting how a small, seemingly insignificant statue is Brussels’ largest crowd drawer. It’s back story is really interesting though.
I didn’t see the “boy” when I was in Brussels because some silly fraternity boys who were on initiation covered it with a sack.:(
We went to Brussels almost 4 years ago and to this day, one of the most memorable things from that trip was Mannekin Pis for my kids. They still giggle every time they think of him. We were there in Oct. so he was “peeing” but dressed as a cavalier. I was quite surprised that he wasn’t very big. We saw Jeanneke too and thought it was unfair she didn’t have a revolving wardrobe like her “brother”. 🙂
@ Christine: I’ve never been to any toilet museum, though I remember your post about it haha
@ Dana: Alas, the girl was too much even for them. She’s kept in a small dark alley 🙁
Haha! What an, um, interesting tourist attraction! I suppose it certainly does give off a sort of “rebellious spirit”. This is certainly something I wouldn’t have thought to look up. Thanks for sharing such an offbeat attraction.
That’s a hysterical myth. It’s amazing that one boy can hold so much pee to defeat an army. lol. The statue reminds me of this toilet museum I went too. I’m all for pee and pooping memorabilia. 😉
@ Shalu Sharma: Thanks!
@ Jardness: Yeah, it’s so funny hehe
this is so cool! a statue holding his weenie! hahaha!
Great photos of the place. I love where you are standing near the statue, the one who’s eating waffles, its quite funny.
@ Photo Cache: And don’t forget to eat waffles while you’re there!
@ Olan: Oo nga hehe. Life-sized everything!
ang ku-kyut nung mga statue lao na yung may hawak ng waffle. hahahaha. 🙂
this could be the most whimsical and most beloved landmark. i can’t wait to have my picture taken with him too 🙂
@ Gaye: No idea. haha They’re very creative, though!
@ Ian: Yeah. If that were in Manila, the government would have taken it down to replace it with a modern sculpture!
ehehe ang cute naman…. mag chechange outfit yung statue… kaya lang baka nilalamig yung kapatid nya kase walang damit! hahaha pero ang ganda…. they are lucky that these fountains were preserved…
Who made/makes the costumes? Haha. #walalang
@ Dennis: Yeah, Manneken Pis reproductions are all over the place hehe Constipation? Maybe that’s why she’s kept hidden!
@ Cat: And that’s all we need to know about Belgium 😉
I remember very little about my trip to Belgium, minus the waffles, the beer and giggling like a little kid when seeing Mannekin Pis!
I can’t help but laugh at the larger version holding a waffle – really an eye catching marketing gimmick! And the girl version looks like she’s battling with constipation LOL!