Groenplaats

The Groenplaats, the green square at the foot of Antwerp's cathedral

The Groenplaats, or Green Square, is one of the liveliest squares in Antwerp, at the foot of Notre-Dame cathedral. A place of passage and of pause, it invites you to sit at a terrace in the heart of the city. The Antwerp audio-guided tour stops here to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this meeting point prized by the people of Antwerp.

A square under the gaze of Rubens

At the centre of the Groenplaats stands the statue of Peter Paul Rubens, the most famous of Antwerp's painters, watching over the square. A former cemetery converted into a public space, the square has become one of the great meeting places of the city. Lined with terraces and dominated by the cathedral spire, it combines daily life and heritage.

What to see

You admire the statue of Rubens and the stunning view of the nearby Notre-Dame cathedral. Lined with cafés and terraces, the Groenplaats is an ideal place to take a break, have a drink or watch local life. It is also a handy starting point to reach the Grand-Place and the main monuments of the centre.

Practical information

The Groenplaats lies in the heart of the historic centre of Antwerp, at the foot of Notre-Dame cathedral, reachable on foot and by metro. It is a public space open at all times, freely accessible and on the level. The terraces and shops that line it have their own hours, busier in the warm season.

What is there to see on the Groenplaats in Antwerp?

The statue of Peter Paul Rubens standing at its centre and the view of the nearby Notre-Dame cathedral, amid the lively terraces.

What does the name Groenplaats mean?

It means Green Square in Dutch; this former cemetery has become one of the lively squares of central Antwerp, at the foot of the cathedral.