Maria Christina. A name in a street of Laeken, and on a tram stop. Discreet, almost ordinary in Brussels’ landscape. 

And yet, it takes us back to the 18th century. Maria Christina of Austria is born in Vienna in 1742. She is the favourite daughter of Empress Maria Theresia, who calls her “Mimi”. 

At the time, marriages are rarely about love. But hers is an exception. She marries Prince Albert of Saxony-Teschen for love. An unusual choice. An almost daring one. 

Years later, she arrives in Brussels where she becomes Governess of the Austrian Netherlands. But she has no intention of ruling like anyone else. In a time of growing tensions, she tries to understand rather than impose. To listen rather than give orders. 

Maria Christina tries to soften the reforms coming from Vienna and make the system fairer, especially for peasants. Even though her role remains limited, her approach leaves a lasting impression. More humane, more moderate. 

She also leaves a very tangible mark on the city. Together with her husband, she has the Castle of Laeken built. An iconic Brussels landmark, and the home to the royal family to this day. 

Then everything changes. Rebellions, a revolution and increasing tensions. She has to leave. Leave this land she tried to govern in her own way. 

She dies in Vienna in 1798. Today, her name lives on. On a street, on a stop. But behind it is a woman who, even then, was already trying to do things differently.