Leidseplein
The Stadsschouwburg on Leidseplein | |
Location in Amsterdam-Centrum | |
| Namesake | Leiden[1] |
|---|---|
| Location | Centrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Nearest metro station | Vijzelgracht |
| Coordinates | 52°21′51″N 4°52′59″E / 52.364242°N 4.882978°E |
Leidseplein (English: Leiden Square) is a square in central Amsterdam, Netherlands. It lies in the Weteringschans neighbourhood (Centrum borough), immediately northeast of the Singelgracht. It is located on the crossroads of the Weteringschans, Marnixstraat and Leidsestraat.
Leiden Square
Leidseplein is one of the busiest centres for nightlife in the city. Historically, the square was the end of the road from Leiden; it served as a parking lot for horse-drawn traffic. Today, modern traffic travels through the square and side streets are packed with restaurants and nightclubs. The Stadsschouwburg, a national-renowned theatre, is the most notable architectural landmark on the square; the American Hotel is close by.[2]
Notable events
Peter R. de Vries murder
It is approximately 250 m (270 yd) from where well-known crime reporter Peter R. de Vries, a key figure in the Marengo trial coverage, was murdered in July 2021.[3]
2022 hostage crisis
On 22 February 2022, a 27 year old gunman took multiple persons hostage inside of an Apple Store in Leidse Square. After a forced breach of the store by Dutch Police, all hostages were safely rescued. However, as a result of the intervention, the hostage taker was killed.[4][5] The 2025 Dutch film iHostage dramatises the incident.
Panorama
See also
References
- ^ "Waar komt de naam Leidseplein vandaan?" (in Dutch), Straatnamenkaart Amsterdam, Municipality of Amsterdam. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
- ^ Martin Dunford (2010). The Rough Guide to The Netherlands. Penguin. pp. 73–74. ISBN 978-1-84836-882-8.
- ^ "Peter R de Vries: Dutch crime reporter dies after shooting". www.bbc.com. British Broadcasting Corporation. 15 July 2021. Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
- ^ "Amsterdam: gunman overpowered and all hostages free after Apple store siege – police". the Guardian. Reuters. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ Hague, Agence France-Presse in The (24 February 2022). "Amsterdam Apple store gunman dies of injuries". the Guardian. Retrieved 27 March 2022.