The cultural centre of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, the Parade, will be completed by the end of 2011. The square will most likely have a much different appearance than it does now. The beautiful chestnut trees that encircle the square are, unfortunately, diseased and there are plans in place to cut them all down. On the bright side, the Parade will be much sunnier. There are also ambitious plans to build a fountain with a statue, which will fill a substantial part of the square.
But hundreds of years ago this square was already an important meeting place in the city. Where you now see a posh barrister’s offices, there used to be the Reformed Orphanage, where boys learnt to become carpenters. In fact, they kept themselves busy by building coffins because the Parade was also the location of many executions. Back then, if you were rich enough, you could avoid a public hanging from the gallows and instead be drowned in a large indoor cask. Today the borders of the Parade are flanked by important buildings such as St. John’s Cathedral, the Theatre on the Parade and the residency and office of Bishop Hurkmans. In the summer it's also a great place to enjoy outdoor cafés, pubs and restaurants.