Supposedly the myth seems to be true, a box containing hearts was found under the shower!

This metal box containing the heart of Pierre David has been placed under the shower since time immemorial. - Reuters

VERVIERS: So far, people have only considered it an urban myth. Almost no one in Belgium, especially in the town of Verviers thought the story told orally was apparently true.

Reuters reports, a group of researchers who are digging the structure of an old shower for repairs last month have found an old box, which contains the heart of former Mayor Verviers!

The small metal box apparently kept Pierre David's heart tightly sealed in a bottle containing ethanol.

The shocking discovery was made only in public documents, but as long as it was not found, no one believed it, said Verviers Councilor Maxime Degey.

This shower is undergoing a renovation process. - Reuters

"Today, the legend is no longer a legend. It is a reality," he explained.

David, who was the city's first mayor since Belgium achieved independence, was still in office when he was killed in 1839 due to a fall from a building.

Local authorities have built a swimming pool as a memorial, and with his family's permission, David's heart was placed under a layer of stone under the monument in 1883.

The box is now on display at the Verviers Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics and will be returned to its original location, at the Fontaine David pool, Place Verte shortly after the renovation work is completed.

Public documents containing notes on Pierre David. - Reuters

"I do not know if there is another example, the heart of a mayor is placed in a special monument in the heart of his city. That is unique," said the museum's curator, Nathalie Weerts.

David served as Mayor of Verviers from 1800 to 1808, when Belgium was under French administration. The second phase of his service began in 1830, when Belgium was already independent.

The late had developed the city's first fire brigade in addition to bringing politics closer to the people, allowing the public to watch council members debate.