The Manneken Pis fountain is world famous and is one of the main symbols of Brussels. Not everyone knows that in the same city there is a less famous monument, the Pissing Girl. Where is this attraction located and what is the history of its creation?
"Pissing girl": photo and description
The original name of the sculpture is Jeanneke Pis, which literally translates into Russian as "Little Pissing Jeanne." The statue was created and installed much later than the Manneken Pis, in 1985. The author of the idea and the creator of the sculpture is Denis Adrian Debouvry. Monument "Manneken Pis" is made of blue-gray limestone, reminiscent of bronze in color. This statue is often called the “Manneken Pis” pair. Indeed, the sculptures have a noticeable similarity. The girl is depicted naked, the height of the monument is approximately 50 centimeters. The child froze in a pose typical for the sending of natural needs - squatting. The girl’s hair is tied in funny little ponytails, and a mischievous smile plays on her face. According to some observers, the whole form of sculpture depicts the pleasure received from the process of urination. Be that as it may, The Pissing Girl is not only a statue, but also a fountain. At the monument, a thin stream of water flows from the "most interesting place", just like the famous boy.
A rival or a pair for Manneken Pis?
For inexplicable reasons, the exact history of the creation of the Jeanneke Pis monument is unknown. There are several popular legends. The most logical of them says that the Manneken Pis Monument monument was erected at a standstill in a street not very popular among tourists. It was here that once existed a restaurant owned by Denis Adrian Debouvry. Despite all the efforts of the owner, the institution had a low attendance. And then the restaurateur decided to create a new attraction directly next to his restaurant in order to increase the number of tourists wandering into this dead end. According to another version, the monument "Manneken Pis" in Belgium appeared as an analogue of the most famous urban sculpture. And indeed, why the boy has been decorating the city for several centuries, and the beautiful half of humanity is still not exalted on a pedestal. According to other versions, Little Jeanne was supposed to be just a girlfriend for Julien - "Manneken Pis." Some experts dispute the authorship of the statue. According to their version, Denis-Adrian Debouvre was only the author of the idea and the customer, and the sculpture was made by the master hired by him.
Where is the Pissing Girl?
Every resident and guest of Brussels can look at the sculpture today. The statue is set on the street and is open to visitors around the clock. Where is the “Manneken Pis” monument, and how to find it? The exact address of the attraction: Getrouwheidsgang 10-12. From Beenhouwersstraat, you need to turn onto Getrouwheidsgang and continue along it until you see the statue. "Pee girl" several times fell victim to the attacks of vandals. They tried to steal the statue and mutilate it. For this reason, today the sculpture is protected by a metal grill. A visit to the monument can be combined with a visit to a picturesque park located nearby.
Reviews of residents and visitors about the unusual sculpture
"Manneken Pis" appeared in Belgium in the Middle Ages. Today, all locals are proud of their most famous fountain and have a positive attitude towards it. It is not surprising that the monument "Manneken Pis" also evokes extremely positive emotions in the townspeople. It is worth noting that in the city there is also a sculpture of a dog, also meeting the natural needs. All these monuments should be included in their travel program for every traveler when visiting Brussels. The sculptures, according to the townspeople, look very moving, and today they are recognized symbols of the city. Reviews about the monument "Manneken Pis" can be found in a wide variety. But at the same time, do not forget about its uniqueness. The more famous "Manneken Pis" has a lot of copies. But his girlfriend today can only be seen in Brussels. Ornamental plants are regularly planted around Little Jeanne, making the fountain look even more attractive. Sometimes the Pissing Girl, as well as the famous boy, is dressed up in special costumes.