Régence, Rue de la/Regentschapsstraat

   The majestic avenue that runs in a straight line linking the place Royale to the place Poelaert, the rue de la Régence was built in the early 19th century to provide a direct link between the place Royale and the church of Notre-Dame du Sablon. Construction of an upscale thoroughfare was intended to eliminate some of the narrow, winding lanes in the vicinity and promote redevelopment of the neighborhood's derelict buildings. Following construction of the Palais de Justice, the street was lengthened, and, because the new section was wider than the old, the latter was enlarged to conform to the former. The street was named after the Council of the Regency (Régence, Regentie), the name by which the communal council was known during the Dutch regime.