User:Cinoreros/Groenplaats

The Groenplaats (Green Place) is a large square in the center of the Belgian city of Antwerp. It is situated on the southern flank of the Antwerp cathedral. The square host a statue of Peter Paul Rubens, created in 1840 by Willem Geefs. Adjacent lie many cafes as well as a Hilton hotel, located in the old Grand Bazar building. An underground parking garage and the Groenplaats metro station are situated underneath the square.

Cemetery
At least since the 13th century, the area to the south of the cathedral was in use as a cemetery, known as the Groenkerkhof (Green Cemetery) for those who could not afford te be buried inside the church. The cemetery was a part of the allodial land owned by the Cathedral chapter without any feudal obligations. In 1784, emperor Joseph II forbade the burial of deceased within the city walls, and new cemeteries in the Kiel neighbourhood and at the Stuyvenbergplein were created in response.

Square
After the conquest of the Southern Netherlands by the French Republic, the property was claimed by the French occupiers. In 1799, the walls surrounding the cemetery were demolished, and in 1803, works started on the construction of a square on top of the cemetery. Originally intended to be named Place de l'égalite, the square was eventually inaugurated in 1805 as the Place Bonaparte, in honour of French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. After Napoleon's defeat in 1815, the square received its current name.

Buildings
On the southern side of the square lies the Gulden roos building, which dates back to 1509. In the 16th century, it was used for a while as the residence for Philips of Marnix, mayor of Antwerp and probable author of the Wilhelmus.

Public transport
Underneath the square lies the Groenplaats premetro station, which was opened in 1975. It is also serviced by above ground tram routes and functions as a bus terminal for a number of southbound lines. A turning loop for trams runs around the square.