Scenic Squares You Can Visit on an AmaWaterways Cruise
By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist
In almost every town in Europe, there is a square. Squares have always been important to cities and their citizens.
AmaWaterways is running a free land extension promotion on new bookings made by 31 March 2024 on select cruises, and instead of telling you about all the sights of a city, I decided to provide a good look at the central hub of some of these destinations—their squares.
So, I thought you might enjoy hearing my thoughts and seeing some pictures about some of the most scenic squares in Europe you can visit on an AmaWaterways cruise. There are so many, I will be sure to not be able to report on all of them, but this is a good start.
Are you ready for our personal square tour?
Why Squares Are Important
Town squares are a unique Europe innovation.
They go by many names, such as: agora, forum, piazza, plaza, Platz, or market place
These town squares often are the most important place in a city. Many have town halls located on them and are ringed by other buildings. Most have restricted entrances, and are enclosed spaces which, in essence, makes it an outdoor building.
They helped cities develop a sense of community, often display culture items, important business buildings and foster democracy as a meeting place. Most also have at least one important religious building, sometimes more.
Perhaps more importantly, this gathering place is an ideal venue to exchange ideas and viewpoints. This area serves so many functions—people watching, political discussions, all sorts of markets, and fosters a sense of belonging because of these interactions.
Austria
Our first look at squares is in Vienna. There are 3 important squares in this capital city.
The best-known square is St. Steven’s Plaza in Vienna. It is a large square in the start of a pedestrian only zone in the heart of Vienna. The soring church is one of the most iconic sights in all of Europe. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is the symbol of Vienna—the amazing roof tiles proudly display the crests of the rulers and the Empire of Austro-Hungary. The tower is 136 meters high and is the tallest church in Austria.
Maria Theresa Platz is a huge open area in the museum district. It often hosts festivals and has a large Christmas Market area. This area used to be the royal stables. In the center of the Platz is the Maria Theresia Memorial statue. Two great museums are here—the Kunsthistorisches is an art museum of world renown. The Naturhistorisches displays examples of wildlife and insects of the world.
The Rathaus Square is another Christmas Markets favorite. It is a magical place at night to visit among the crowded but friendly festival time. During the summer, they often have outdoor movies for folks to enjoy.
10 of the 11 Danube cruises on the Danube visit Vienna, so there is ample opportunity to see some or all of these squares.
Linz has an important square that is very large. The Hauptplatz (main square) is an impressive sight with a Trinty Column that is 20 meters high. Trinty columns are an important symbol of gratitude for surviving disasters of fire, war, and plague. Twice a week it becomes a lively food market and is another great Christmas marketplace.
Belgium
There are 3 great squares in this small country you can visit on an AmaWaterways cruises on the two northern cruise offered by AmaWaterways.
Antwerp is our first stop. The Grote Markt square has an impressive town hall and the wonderful statue of Barbo.
Barbo statue. According to the legend, a terrible giant, called Druoon Antigoon, lived on the banks of the river Scheldt. He demand tolls, when refused he cut off the hands of offending sailors. A Roman soldier, Silvius Brabo, killed the giant and by cutting his hand off, he ended his reign of terror.
With a legend like this, great place to visit!
Brugge is next up.
The best place to start are the two squares—Market square and Burg Square. Markt (Flemish) or Market Square is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the well preserved medieval buildings and famous belfry. You can climb the 366 or so stairs for awesome views of the city but we prefer to listen to the bells from the ground of the square.
Burg Square houses the city hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood (built by a Crusader to store drops of the blood of Jesus he brought back from Jerusalem). You can easily see the wealth of this city at one time by studying the opulent, gilded buildings. The city hall is a Gothic structure that was built in the late 1300s, making it the oldest town hall in Belgium. Don't miss the upstairs Gotische Zaal (Gothic Room) with its ornate decor and wall murals depicting highlights from Bruges's history. Most spectacular of all is the vaulted oak ceiling, dating from 1402, which features scenes from the New Testament. Here are some photos of Burg Square:
Brussels is the 3rd square in Belgium. The Grand Place (Grote Markt)—a fine medieval square—considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. It is a pedestrian only zone, North West of Central Train Station. The square has a daily flower market and a weekly bird market. From April through September, there is a music and light show.
One of the buildings on the square is the Gothic Town Hall—the town hall was the only building left intact when the Grand Place was destroyed by the French in 1695. On top of the slim tower on the hall, St. Michael, the patron saint of Brussels, protects the town. Limited English tours (40 minute). Admission charge for the tour.
My favorite building on the square is the Municipal Museum in King’s House—this is not a royal residence, but a civic museum. It is located opposite the Town Hall across from the Grand Place. Among its collections are 18th and 19th century ceramics and tapestries. It also holds the collection of the costumes for Manneken Pis—that’s why I like this museum so much!
Czech Republic
In Prague, the wonderful Old Town Square is fun to visit.
Old Town Square-- famous for its historical monuments, Old Town Square is a Prague must-visit. Climb to the top of the 660-year-old Old Town Hall Tower for spectacular views of the Baroque-style St. Nicholas Church (north corner of the square, it has a fine interior),
Gothic-style Church of Our Lady Before Tyn (twin towers) and Old Town itself.
The Astronomical Clock (Orloj)--on the side of the Tower--consists of an astronomical dial embellished with zodiac symbols, a calendar dial and colorful, moving sculptures. As the clock chimes, biblical figurines come out, and spectators may watch the "Walk of the Apostles." An hourly bell toll features a figurine representing death. The clock comes to life from 0900 to 2100.
On the square is the Church of St. Nicholas--There are plenty of impressive Baroque churches in Prague, but the St. Nicholas church at the Old Town Square is one of the most beautiful thanks to the colorful frescoes, intricate ironwork and stucco that decorate the interior.
Old Town Hall--Prague's old Town Hall was built in 1364. The astronomical clock in the town hall's tower is one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. Originally the building served only as the city hall of the old town, but later became the city hall for all of Prague. It is now only used for ceremonial functions. Hopefully the renovations are complete now, as it was covered up on my last visit.
We have visited several times, and led tours here at all times of the year. It never gets old—especially during the Christmas markets.
France has many important squares, but I’d thought I would just highlight a few.
Paris has many important squares but perhaps the most impactful is the Place de la Concorde. It is the largest square in France. It does have a dark history—it was the site of many public executions during the French Revolution. Actually, the name of the square changed to Place de la Revolution during this period of unrest and rebellion. Among the notables executed were —King Louis XIV. Marie Antoinette and Maximillien Robespierre. According to Wikipedia, 1,119 were guillotined in this square.
Bordeaux has a large square with a very large fountain. The name of the square is Place des Quincoces. It has two 21-meter rostral columns which symbolize commerce and navigation.
A magnificent sculpture in the square is the Girondists monument, in memory of the Girondists who were killed during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution. Today it is an important transportation hub in Bordeaux.
Strasbourg on the Rhine River cruises has a large square around the massive cathedral. Cathedral Square is an important area in the old town area and always an interesting stop for shopping, eating, and visiting the massive cathedral.
Germany
4 great squares make my list in Germany you can visit during many cruises on the Rhine and Main Rivers. While there are squares, I want to highlight 4.
Let’s begin with Freiburg.
Münsterplatz is a cobblestone square in front of the Freiburg Münster (Cathedral of Freiburg). This quaint churchyard has plenty of colorful buildings, most of which were reconstructed following the end of WW II. Besides the church, the Historical Merchants' Hall and Wentzinger House are some of the many historical buildings within the square.
Münstermarkt Freiburg is an open-air farmer’s market that takes over most of Münsterplatz. Normally, there are about 65 stalls selling fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, and food items such as pastries, wines, and sausages. There are vendors selling woven baskets and other items. We bought some wonderful wooden utensils during one of our visits.
Next up is Munich.
Marien Platz—old town square, since 1158, is the place to gather in Munich. It is host to many festivals, and markets, especially the Christmas markets. It has a famous glockenspiel (1908), which performs at 1100 and 1200 all year. The story is of a 1500 wedding, of a Bavarian Duke (blue & white) and his French bride (red & white), knights and celebrations. The inspiration for this unique device is that jousting tournaments used to be held in the square.
In the center of the square is a statue dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Nuremberg also ranks high with me. The Market Square is a place of constant activity. It is home to one of the best Christmas market in all of Germany.
If not being renovated, the Schoner Brunnen--the Beautiful 19 meter Fountain on the edge of Market Square is quite impressive. There are two rings on the fence that are some popular legends about the power of the fountain. One is that if you turn the “golden ring” and make a wish, it will come true. The black ring, is said to bless women with children.
The market also has an impressive church on the square. Church of Our Lady constructed as an imperial royal chapel. Every day at noon the "Männleinlaufen" (mechanical clock and glockenspiel) chime to the delight of watchers below.
I can’t miss one of my personal favorites—the town square in the walled city of Rothenberg.
The picturesque buildings surround the square, and the highlight is the Town Hall and its astronomical clock. The legend here is the mayor who saved the town from destruction by Swiss by Imperial General Tilly—Master Draught—he drank a3 ¼ litters of wine in one gulp (ok, he chugged it) and won the bet to save the city in October 1631.
Hungary
In Budapest, there are 2 important squares to visit near the Danube.
The first is the Holy Trinty Square on the Buda side that is protected by the Fisherman’s Bastion. The square has an important Trinty Column in tribute to the people who died from the Black Plague—some estimates claim from 30% to 60% of all European died during the plague from 1691 to 1709. Matthias Church with is ornate roof is also located here.
Heroes Square--The monumental square at the end of Andrássy Avenue sums up the history of Hungary by displaying statues that honor Hungary’s heroes. The millennium memorial commemorates the 1000th anniversary of the arrival of the Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Fine Arts are also located on this square. It is the entrance to the City Park. It is on the Pest side.
While not as important as these other two squares, the Jozsef Nador Square is one of the important Christmas Markets stop and we have visited them several times.
Vorosmarty Square has an important landmark in Budapest—the Gerbeaud Café is famous for its handmade desserts and is an elegant old-world coffee and dessert café. It opened in 1858 and has been a favorite of Budapest ever since then.
You can visit most of these place on a post or pre tour if you have not seen them during your cruise.
Romania
The city of Brasov in Romania is square that I really enjoyed. The main square of Brasov is a great place to see people, eat and enjoy the buildings around this area. Town Hall Square has colorfully painted and ornately trimmed baroque structures. Perhaps the most famous sight is the Black Church, the largest gothic church in Romania. Its name comes from damage caused by the Great Fire of 1689, when flames and smoke blackened the walls of the church. The interior of the church is well kept and houses one of the largest organs in Eastern Europe.
You can visit Brasov as a pre/post land excursion on any AmaWaterways lower Danube cruises.
Our Final Thoughts
Wow—I hope you enjoyed this tour as much as I enjoyed writing it!
This is an amazing collection of squares but by no means the only one’s worth seeing in Europe. The hardest part of writing this was whittling down to a manageable number. AmaWaterways offers many great options to see these squares and their current promotion is an excellent value you might want to consider,
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ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 52 years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
