Manneken Pis, Brussels

Favorite thing: Manneken Pis

Fondest memory:
Manneken Pis, a statue of a urinating boy. According to a legend, this boy was purported to have urinated on a bomb fuse thus saving the Town Hall from terrorists who planned to destroy the building. Today, he pees almost everywhere shamelessly with that boyish stance. And it is no surprise to catch some live performances along the streets as well. Manneken does not wear anything at all, except on holidays when he reluctantly puts on costumes and funky wigs.

Manneken does not perform alone; his female counterpart Jeanneken Pis hides herself at the very end of Getrouwheids alley, smilingly do what her friend can't possibly do. She was caged when I saw her, probably she always is, to avoid harassment.

Favorite thing: of course...but he's more little than i thought !!

The world famous peeing boy can be seen every day and night at the corner of Eikstraat/Stoofstraat near the Grand Place.
Trabel Tip: try to find out if the Manneken receives a new costume during your stay. During that occasion he p**s beer instead of water.

Favorite thing: I passed through about 20 times but never spent to much time here. The thing you must see for some reason is Manakin pis they practically wordship this tiny statue, rumor has it some guys once stole it and were killed.You may get lucky and see it dressed up its been everything from a boy scout to a turkish king.

Favorite thing: Southwest of the Town Hall, at the junction of Rue de l'Etuve/Stoofstraat and Rue du Chene/Eibstraat, stands the city's landmark - the celebrated Manneken Pis, a statue of a urinating boy. According to a legend, this boy was purported to have urinated on a bomb fuse thus saving the Town Hall from terrorists who planned to destroy the building. Today, he pees almost everywhere shamelessly with that boyish stance. And it is no surprise to catch some live performances along the streets as well. Manneken does not wear anything at all, except on holidays when he reluctantly puts on costumes and funky wigs.

Manneken does not perform alone; his female counterpart Jeanneken Pis hides herself at the very end of Getrouwheids alley, smilingly do what her friend won't possibly do. She was caged when I saw her, probably she always is, to avoid harassment.

Favorite thing: Manneken Pis

This statue of a little boy in a somewhat compromising position has since several centuries been a major tourist attraction in the city. When most people see our 'manneken', the first reaction is always one of amazement: 'Look, how small he is ! Why does everybody want to see him ?' The people of Brussels, however, accept him the way he is. After all, it doesn't always have to be big to be beautiful. Imagine he would be the size of the Statue of Liberty : Brussels would be continuously flooded !

Fondest memory: My fondest memory?? Having my picture taken standing next to the world famous Manneken Pis. :-) This famous 'boy' - the City's mascot and only 24-inch in height - can be seen every day and night at the corner of Eikstraat/Stoofstraat (just a stone's throw away from the Grand Place). To be exact, it's just a 3-minute walk.

HOT TIP: Before you come to Brussels, DO check with the Belgium Tourist Office if the Manneken is donning a new costume whilst you're there. Why? Because during that period, he'd be p**ing beer instead of water!

Fondest memory: MANNEKEN PIS...A symbol of irreverence to some, this label of a little boy urinating is seen as vulgar by the Ohio liquor control agency, which wants it banned.

'Pis, this is bad taste' says this article which appeared in the Singapore newspaper, 'The Straits Times' on 8 April 2000.

The US state of Ohio is banning a Belgian white ale because the label features Brussels' famous statue of a boy urinating, Manneken Pis, the Brussels newspaper Le Soir reported.

The Ohio liquor control agency said no to the brew - also named Manneken Pis - because it runs afoul of a state law that prohibits images deemed 'grotesque or in bad taste'' the French-language newspaper said.

'A little boy urinating: that's vulgar. Add to that, the name, the yellow tint of the label, and the product which suggests the color of urine...It's gross' the agency's spokesman Patty Haskins was quoted as telling Le Soir's New York correspondent.

Manneken Pis the statuette has been doing his thing on a street corner in old Brussels since the 17th century, much to the delight of tourists and Belgians who see it as symbol of irreverence.

(Courtesy of 'The Straits Times' Singapore)

Favorite thing: Go see Brussels Citizen Nr 1 : Manneken Pis.

As you can see, he is already in a very European Mood. By the way it is also one of Mr Naidu's best friends.

Favorite thing: I guess it's no need for words for this famous spot of Brussels!

If you also want your own Pis picture just have a look at the souvenir shop besides Manneke Pis, it was even for free ...

Favorite thing: Manneken-pis - what I didn't realise is that they dress the statue up in clothes from time to time. And yep, he did leave the seat up.