 Aalst photographed from the Schepenhuis | |
  Location within Belgium | |
| Location | Aalst, East Flanders, Belgium |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 50°56′18″N 4°02′20″E / 50.93833°N 4.03889°E |
The Grote Markt (Dutch, pronounced [ˌɣroːtə ˈmɑr(ə)kt] ⓘ, Aalsters: Groeite Mert; meaning "Big Market")[1] is the central square of Aalst, East Flanders, Belgium. The Schepenhuis (Aldermen's House), the Town Hall, the Beurs van Amsterdam and the Herberg Graaf van Egmont are located there. The Grote Markt is an UNESCO buffer zone as well, thanks to the Schepenhuis.
The large square is broken by the protruding position of the Aldermen's House and the Herberg Graaf van Egmont, and is partly divided into several parts. The square behind the Aldermen's House (on Kattestraat) and the connecting street to Hopmarkt and Nieuwstraat are also referred to as part of the Grote Markt. The statue of printer Dirk Martens is also located on the square.[2]
The Grote Markt witnessed many tragic events unfold during its history. In 1524, the first female Protestant martyr Clara 't Roen was executed on the square. More than two centuries later, in 1748, the outlaw and gang leader Jan de Lichte suffered the same fate.[3]
- ^ "Verken de Markt van Aalst". Euroreizen.be (in Flemish). Retrieved 21 June 2022.
- ^ "Grote Markt". inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be (in Dutch). January 1975. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
- ^ "Jan De Lichte". Stad Zottegem (in Dutch). Retrieved 21 June 2022.