Right ahead of you is Ossenmarkt-easy to spot if you look for the open, slightly triangle-shaped square lined with those charming old houses. See that tall stone column rising up with a statue on top? That’s our star today: a high gray pedestal topped by a statue of Mary holding her child, watching over the square like a protective neighbor. Around her are benches shaded by trees, perfect for people-watching or sneakily sharing a waffle.
Now, imagine you’re standing here centuries ago when Ossenmarkt first opened in 1517. The air would be thick with the sound of mooing and bargaining-the square was a bustling cattle market! Picture the shouting traders, the curious bystanders, and, of course, the cows trying to look nonchalant about their future.
Look closely at that statue’s pedestal. It’s older than it looks-a whopping 308 years old! Originally it was a pump column with the year 1716 engraved on it, and only later did it become a showcase for Floris de Cuijper’s statue of Mary and the Child, which has been here since 1947. If you listen carefully, maybe you can hear the echo of old pump handles clanging in the background-or perhaps just the sound of someone’s bicycle bell.
Notice those facades around you? Most are from the 19th and 20th centuries, but if you squint a little, you’ll spot two stepped gables on the north side, older and proud of it. They’ve watched the square change over hundreds of years-cows and traders replaced by students and café-hoppers.
Fun fact: underground, Ossenmarkt has kept a little mystery. There’s been talk of building a new pre-metro station right below your feet, but for now, it’s just dreams and blueprints. So, for now, the only thing rumbling under the square is your stomach if you skipped lunch.
Take a breath, feel the mixture of history and modern city life, and-whatever you do-don’t try to round up any imaginary cattle. They’ve moved on, but the spirit of the old market is still here, waiting for the next great story to unfold!
