The Schouwburgplein is situated in the heart of the city of Kortrijk

Kortrijk

Kortrijk ; , ; ) is a Belgian city and municipality located in the Flemish province West Flanders...

, Belgium

Belgium

Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...

, and is flanked by the municipal theatre (Stadsschouwburg) and several historic buildings. The rectangular square was shaped after the demolishion of the old 'Lakenhalle' (Clothes Hall) (built in 1411) which was severely damaged during Friendly fire

Friendly fire

Friendly fire is inadvertent firing towards one's own or otherwise friendly forces while attempting to engage enemy forces, particularly where this results in injury or death. A death resulting from a negligent discharge is not considered friendly fire...

 in 1944.

The square is situated between the Doorniksestraat and the Havermarkt and occupies an area of 5,060 square metres. Today, the square is a pedestrian area with several bars and outdoor bars. Underneath the square, there is a large car parking which was built in 1993.

On top of the entrance to this parking, there is a large fountain, sculpted by the artist Olivier Strebelle

Literature

, Noodopgravingen aan het Kortrijkse Schouwburgplein, Groeninghe drukkerij, Kortrijk, 1994, 176pp., Duizend Kortrijkse straten, N.V. Vonksteen, Langemark, 1986, 591pp.