Zenne

The Zenne, known in French as the Senne, is a river in Belgium. The Dutch name Zenne and the French name Senne refer to the same watercourse. It rises in the Flemish Brabant region north of Brussels and generally flows westward, passing through the Brussels-Capital Region before joining the Dijle river system.

Within Brussels, much of the Zenne’s lower course was altered during 19th-century urban improvements to drainage and sanitation. A large portion now runs in underground ducts beneath the city, with only sections in the suburbs remaining visible on the surface. The river is therefore largely a buried watercourse in the urban center.

Geographically, the Zenne is part of the Dijle river system and drains part of the Flemish Brabant and Brussels-Capital Region. Its course has historically influenced urban planning, worked to prevent floods, and shaped industrial and residential development along its banks.

Historically, the Zenne valley supported early settlements and economic activity in the region, with bridges and mills recorded along its banks. The modern status of the river reflects a balance between flood management, sanitation improvements, and heritage preservation, with occasional discussions about restoring open sections in certain areas.

The Zenne remains a notable geographic and historical feature in Belgium, illustrating how urban growth can transform natural waterways. It is referenced in place names and regional history, and it continues to appear in contemporary debates about urban water management and landscape restoration.