Place des Martyrs (Brussels, Belgium)

The Place des Martyrs (French, pronounced [plas de maʁ.tiʁ]) or Martelaarsplein (Dutch, pronounced [ˈmɑrtəlaːrsˌplɛin]), meaning "Martyrs' Square", is a historic square in central Brussels, Belgium. Its current name refers to the martyrs of the September Days of the Belgian Revolution of 1830. Originally, the square was called the Place Saint-Michel/Sint-Michielsplein after Saint Michael, patron saint of the City of Brussels. It was laid out in a uniform neoclassical style between 1774 and 1776, based on the designs of the architect Claude Fisco. Over 400 heroes of the Belgian Revolution lie buried in a crypt beneath the cobblestones. Many lie not far from where they were shot, in fierce battles amid the Brussels streets and barricades. Nowadays, the square is home to cabinet offices of the Flemish Government, including those of the Flemish Minister-President, as well as a theatre: the Théâtre des Martyrs. The Place des Martyrs is located in the Marais–Jacqmain Quarter, near the Rue Neuve/Nieuwstraat, Belgium's second busiest shopping street. This area is served by the metro and premetro (underground tram) station De Brouckère on lines 1, 4, 5 and 10.