Vrouweplein

Vrouweplein, literally Our Lady’s Square, is a common placename for public squares in the Netherlands and Belgium. The name reflects a dedication to the Virgin Mary (Onze Lieve Vrouwe) and is typically linked to a nearby church or chapel bearing a Marian devotion.

Historically, Vrouweplein most often formed the urban core of a town or village during the medieval period. It served as a central space for markets, assemblies, and religious processions, with the adjacent church or religious institution often acting as a visual and symbolic anchor. The square's layout and surrounding buildings vary by town, but many examples feature a prominent church facade, a town hall, fountains, statues, or memorials that reflect local history.

In modern times, Vrouweplein is generally a pedestrian-friendly or traffic-calmed area used for daily city life as well as public events, markets, concerts, and festivals. The character of each square depends on local architecture, preservation policies, and cultural practices, resulting in a range of sizes, materials, and surrounding uses.

The name is attested in multiple towns, so Vrouweplein typically denotes a Marian-linked square rather than a single, universal site. For specific details, the Vrouweplein in a given town is best described in that city’s historical and cultural context.