‘Battle of Marolles’ commemorative plaque in Bruxelles, Belgium

The Marolles district is the popular area of central Brussels par excellence. It is famous for its flea market on the Place du Jeu de Balle, its antique shops and its friendly atmosphere. The district is also inseparable from the dome of the Brussels Palace of Justice, which dominates it to the east. However, in 1969, a project to extend the offices of the prestigious building to the detriment of several city blocks caused a furore. The fierce resistance of the residents is still known today as the ‘Battle of the Marolles’. It all began on 30 June 1969, when the residents of the ho

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