Paul de Smet de Naeyerplein, Urban park in Sint-Pietersaalst neighborhood, Ghent, Belgium.
Paul de Smet de Naeyerplein is an urban park with gravel pathways arranged in an oval layout and lined with chestnut trees throughout. Several bronze monuments, including the Ros Beiaard statue group, are positioned across the space and form its main visual focal points.
The grounds served as the central venue during the 1913 World Exhibition, establishing its role as an important public gathering space. The bronze monuments that define the site today were erected around this period and have remained focal points since.
The Ros Beiaard monument depicts a medieval legend of four brothers on horseback, a story deeply rooted in regional folklore that remains recognized today. These bronze figures shape the character of the space and connect visitors to stories passed down through generations in this area.
The park underwent renovation and reopened in 2023, making it easily accessible and well-maintained for visitors. During summer months, the space hosts outdoor markets on select weekends, offering a lively atmosphere on those days.
During World War I, German forces attempted to remove bronze monuments for metal supplies, but the Ros Beiaard statue remained in place because of its considerable weight. Its survival through this period makes it a remarkable physical reminder of how the site endured wartime pressures.
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