For almost eight centuries, this spot in the heart of Bergen op Zoom has been a hub of activity. Old archives tell us that a guesthouse, a sort of medieval hospital in a chapel where travellers, the poor, and the sick were cared for, already stood here in 1246. It was known as the Sint-Maartens Gasthuis. Archaeological excavations on this square have uncovered remains of the chapel, outbuildings, and even a cemetery. Among those buried there were victims of the great plague epidemic that struck the city in 1358.

In 1525, a new guesthouse was built outside the town, and the old Sint-Maartens guesthouse was given a different function: it became a Latin school, a sort of town school for boys who wished to further their education. Around 1600, even the governor of the town, the highest military commander, lived in one of the outbuildings. Nevertheless, the buildings slowly fell into disrepair. The chapel was even used as a stable for horses in 1668.

After the heavy French siege of 1747, it was decided that the old complex was beyond repair. In 1771, everything was demolished and made way for a new Government House. Over the years, that building took on all sorts of functions: first a military hospital, then offices for the Ministry of Defence, and even a shopping centre and a gym.

Since 2023, there has been a restaurant on the ground floor with flats above.

On the square stands the striking Dikke Boom, a plane tree approximately 150 years old, which was part of the front garden.

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For more information regarding the history of the Government and Government Square: www.stadsgidsen-bergenopzoom.nl

General information:

• Type: National Monument
• First mention: 1246
• Visit: Exterior viewable freely; restaurant inside.