Grote Markt, street in Breda, the Netherlands
The Grote Markt is the central square of Breda, defined by the Onze Lievevrouwekerk church, the old town hall, and several monumental buildings that frame the space. Around the perimeter sit restaurants, cafes, and shops with outdoor seating areas that form a busy commercial heart of the city.
The square emerged between 1275 and 1325 as Plaetse and took its current form after a major city fire in 1534. This rebuilding reshaped the area and established it as a central gathering point for the community.
The square hosts the annual Breda Jazz Festival and traditional markets that take place every Tuesday and Friday morning, continuing a custom that shapes the city's daily rhythm. These regular gatherings bring together locals and visitors around the same spaces that have served the community for centuries.
The square is a pedestrian area with numerous restaurants and cafes offering outdoor seating, and a tourist information office located near the old town hall. Visitors can walk freely throughout the space and explore at their own pace while accessing food and drink options.
Since the 17th century, a city carillonneur has performed music from the carillon of De Grote Toren on market days, a practice that continues today. This bell tower tradition is an uncommon feature that gives the square a distinctive musical element.
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