Piotr Velikiy

"A leader takes people where they want to go.
A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go, but ought to be."

-- Rosalynn Carter --

Czar Peter the Great of Russia.

This bronze bust commemorates Peter the Great's visit to Brussels in 1717. It can be found in the lowlands of the Royal Park of Brussels, in front of the Royal Palace. I was born in Brussels more than 40 years ago, yet I had no idea this bust was there until a friend of mine showed it to me. 
It stands in the lower parts of the park, some 8 meters below street level. Almost no-one ever goes there since the place is somehow dark, and has a bad reputation. It is likely to be a meeting place for prostitutes during the night.

How the Czar's bust ended up there instead of in the main park is a mystery...and also gave birth to urban legends. Maybe I'll tell you about it someday