Petit-Château Brussels

The Klein Kasteeltje is located in the district "De Kaaien", located on the old harbor on the Brussels-Scheldt Sea Canal. This complex stands out for its military style.
For a long time a barracks was located here, where soldiers were stationed in the heart of Brussels.
The building was designed in the mid-1800s by master of genius Mathieu-Bernard.
When it opened in 1853, it was the barracks of the grenadiers and carabiniers
During the German occupation, the Klein Kasteeltje was used by the Germans.
After the armistice, the barracks housed the 4th Karabiniers. When this unit was disbanded in 1922, the 9th Line again moved into its barracks where it would remain until the next war.
After the liberation of 1944, the Klein Kasteeltje was used as a branch of the prison of Saint-Gilles and collaborators and German prisoners of war who had deserted from the coal mines were imprisoned there.
In 1948 miners from Italy, Poland,... were also temporarily housed before their repatriation. This internment center was closed on December 31, 1950.
From 1951 to 1985, the barracks served as the Center for Recruitment and Selection.
Every male Belgian who was called up for military service would complete his « Three Days » here.
Since November 1986, the building has been used by Fedasil as a reception center for asylum seekers. It is also the oldest and largest reception center in Belgium.

Most street names around the Klein Kasteeltje recall events from the First World War:
Ninth Liniellaan: Infantry regiment showered with fame during the First World War. This regiment was stationed in the Klein Kasteeltje.

Haelenstraat: in memory of the victory by the Belgians in August 1914, cavalry division and 4th mixed brigade (4th and 24th Line).

Houthulst Woudstraat: stronghold of the German positions in the Battle of Flanders taken by storm on September 28 and 29, 1918 by the 7th Infantry Division (4th, 23rd and 24th Line).

Nieuwpoortlaan: as a reminder of the bitter defense of the city from 1914 to 1918. Was completely destroyed but never captured.

Passchendaelestraat: in memory of the victory on September 28, 1918 in the Battle of Flanders by the 12th Infantry Division (1st and 2nd Grenadiers, 4th Carabiniers).

Sources : ABL-History Forum
Wikipedia

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Source

• Text: Marie-Christine Vinck
• Photos: Marie-Christine Vinck