Animal Market

From 1449 to 1595, there was a monastery of Minor Brothers or Franciscans at this location. From 1595 until 1972, the square was the site of the Delft cattle markets, where farmers from the Westland showcased their livestock. After that, the square was used as a parking space for 21 years, until the parking spots disappeared in the 1990s and a new entertainment center emerged. Especially in the summer, the Beestenmarkt is an important entertainment center, and as of 2007, the square is surrounded by eleven hospitality businesses. The square features over 20 plane trees about sixty years old that provide shade in warm weather. Since 2001, the square has been used annually (except for 2003) for an ice skating rink, and in the summer, it serves as a terrace. In the middle of the square stands the "Bull," a ceramic artwork by artist Rob Brandt.

Dromos