Nekkersgat Mill

Nekkersgat Mill is a historic watermill tucked into the Uccle (Ukkel) district in the south of Brussels, standing beside the small Geleytsbeek stream that once powered its wheel. It is one of the few surviving pieces of pre-industrial infrastructure inside the city limits, and today it offers a quiet, green counterpoint to the busier attractions of central Brussels.

Where does the name come from and what did the mill make?

The mill dates back to 1663, when it was built to serve as a paper mill. The flow of the Geleytsbeek through this shallow valley supplied the mechanical power needed for papermaking, a relatively specialised use of water energy compared with the grain mills that were more common around Brussels at the time. The name Nekkersgat is tied to the local topography of the valley where the mill was raised, an area long associated with a chain of small watercourses that once fed a series of industrial sites stretching toward the city centre.

What does the site look like today?

The mill complex includes the mill building itself together with an adjoining house, standing on a plot of roughly 650 square metres. The property belongs to the municipality, which has allowed it to be placed under heritage protection: it was listed as a monument in 1971, and in 1977 the protection was extended to cover the whole site. This dual listing has helped preserve the original layout of the buildings and the character of their immediate surroundings, even as the surrounding neighbourhood of Uccle has continued to develop.

Why is it worth a visit?

In 2013 the mill underwent a full restoration that returned the structure to good technical condition and opened the way for a new chapter in its history. Rather than continuing an industrial role, the building and its adjoining house are being adapted to serve as exhibition space and a multi-purpose venue, intended for cultural events and presentations connected to local heritage. This makes Nekkersgat a good example of how a piece of old water-powered infrastructure can be given a second life within the everyday fabric of a neighbourhood instead of simply falling into disuse.

What should visitors know before going?

The mill sits in a quiet, green pocket of Uccle within a river valley, making it a pleasant stop for a short walk that combines local history with some contact with nature. It is a modest-scale site rather than a major tourist draw with extensive visitor facilities, and it will likely appeal most to people with an interest in industrial water heritage and older Brussels architecture. Because of its protected status, access to the interior may be limited to occasional events and exhibitions, so it is worth checking the current opening schedule before planning a visit.

Frequently asked questions

What was Nekkersgat Mill originally used for? It was a watermill powered by the Geleytsbeek stream, built in 1663 to produce paper.

Is the building protected as heritage? Yes, it was listed as a monument in 1971, and the whole site received protected status in 1977.

What is the mill used for today? Following its 2013 restoration, the mill and its adjoining house are being adapted into exhibition and multi-purpose space.

Where in Brussels is it located? In the Uccle (Ukkel) district in the south of the city, within the valley of the Geleytsbeek stream.