UCCLE

Flemish Ukkel municipality, Brussels region, central Belgium. It lies just south of Brussels and is one of the 19 communes that make up Greater Brussels. Formerly a separate town dating back to the 12th century, it is now a primarily residential suburb with some light manufacturing. It is the site of the Royal Observatory and has several chteaus (Errera, Uccle, and Ithier). The Russian Orthodox Cathedral, surrounded by birch trees, is modeled on a church in Novgorod. The Auberge du Cornet, an inn dating from 1570, lies near the wooded Wolvendael Park, a remnant of the Soigne Forest. The main body of the forest extends into eastern Uccle. Pop. (1992 est.) mun., 73,826.