Pieter de Coninck and Jan Breydel

Symbol of the Flemish struggle for freedom

06/2023 The statue of Pieter de Coninck and Jan Breydel in Bruges' Grote Markt is far more than a decorative monument—it is a powerful symbol of the Flemish struggle for freedom. The two figures commemorate the events of the early 14th century, when Bruges and other Flemish cities rebelled against French rule. De Coninck, a weaver, and Breydel, a butcher, represent the courage of the citizenry, who played a crucial role in the so-called Bruges Morning Star in 1302 and later in the Battle of Kortrijk.

The Grote Markt itself provides the perfect stage for this monument: a wide, vibrant square surrounded by colorful gabled houses, cafes, and historic buildings. Here beats the tourist and historical heart of the city. The statue stands centrally in the square and acts as an anchor point, connecting past and present – a place where history remains visible and tangible.