Erected in 1675, this fort was dismantled in the following century to give way to several important toll roads and urban development.

The name of the Barrière de Saint-Gilles/Bareel van Sint-Gillis neighbourhood (literally "Barrier of Saint Gilles") still commemorates those tolls to this day.

As a result, the rural village of Saint-Gilles, known for centuries for its cabbage cultivation, went through an unprecedented construction spree.

It was around that time that the Avenue Louise/Louizalaan, Brussels-South railway station, and the new Church of St. Gilles were built, to be followed soon after by the new prison and Municipal Hall.

[citation needed] Saint-Gilles has a football club called Royal Union Saint Gilloise, which had his prime years in the 1930s.

Molenbeek, Union was promoted back to the Belgian First Division A, marking its first appearance in top-flight football in 48 years.