Jules Anspach

Who was Jules Anspach?

Jules Victor Anspach was a Belgian politician, best known for his renovations surrounding the covering of the Senne river. He is buried in the Brussels Cemetery.

Anspach was born in Brussels into a family of Calvinist Genevan origin. His father François served in the Belgian Chamber of Representatives. Jules Anspach studied law at the Free University of Brussels becoming a Doctor of Laws. As with many Liberals, Anspach was a Freemason.

Anspach rose rapidly, replacing Fontainas as Mayor of Brussels in 1863, aged only 34, holding the office until his death. He effected massive changes to the urban landscape of Brussels, centred on his oeuvre, the covering of the Senne. His renovations in Brussels paralleled those by Baron Haussmann in Paris. The modern city remains largely Anspach's creation in its basic form.

Boulevard Anspach, the main artery in downtown Brussels, bears his name. It was the central boulevard created by his massive renovations of the city, so it is particularly fitting it be named after him.

Like his father, Anspach was elected to the Chamber of Representatives.