Leidseplein

Leidseplein (English: Leiden Square) is a square in central Amsterdam, Netherlands. It lies in the Weteringschans neighborhood (Centrum borough), immediately northeast of the Singelgracht. It is located on the crossroads of the Weteringschans, Marnixstraat and Leidsestraat.

Leidseplein
The Stadsschouwburg on Leidseplein
Leidseplein is located in Amsterdam
Leidseplein
Location in Amsterdam-Centrum
NamesakeLeiden[1]
LocationCentrum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nearest metro stationVijzelgracht
Coordinates52.364242°N 4.882978°E / 52.364242; 4.882978

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]

2022 hostage crisis

On February 22, 2022, a 27 year old man took at least one person hostage inside of an Apple Store in Leiden Square. After a forced breach of the store by Dutch Police, all hostages were safely rescued. However, as a result of the breach, the hostage taker was killed.[3][4]

It is approximately 150 meters from where well known crime reporter Peter R. de Vries, a key figure in the Marengo trial, was murdered.[5][6]

Panorama
Panorama of Leidseplein at night, with the Stadsschouwburg on the far left of the photograph

See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Leidseplein.

References
  1. "Waar komt de naam Leidseplein vandaan?" (in Dutch), Straatnamenkaart Amsterdam, Municipality of Amsterdam. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  2. Martin Dunford (2010). The Rough Guide to The Netherlands. Penguin. pp. 73–74. ISBN 978-1-84836-882-8.
  3. Reuters (2022-02-22). "Amsterdam: gunman overpowered and all hostages free after Apple store siege – police". the Guardian. Retrieved 2022-03-27. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. Hague, Agence France-Presse in The (2022-02-24). "Amsterdam Apple store gunman dies of injuries". the Guardian. Retrieved 2022-03-27.
  5. BBC, News (July 15, 2021). "Peter R de Vries: Dutch crime reporter dies after shooting". British Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2021. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  6. News, BBC (9 April 2011). "Gunman kills six in Netherlands shopping centre". British Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2011. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
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