Jan Linders Square
Welcome to Gennep!
Zandpoort
In the past, those approaching the city of Gennep from the south would enter through the largest of three city gates: the Zandpoort. The Zandpoort monument commemorates this city gate. The original shape of this gate has been highlighted with a semi-circular bench made of hard stone. The stainless steel 'thumbtacks' in the pavement mark the locations of the walls of the gate, the city wall, and the powder tower. The former moat has been preserved, now known as the 'green moat.' The boulder on the steps originates from this old city gate.
Face-to-face with an archaeologist
Experience the archaeological story of the Zandpoort. Download the app at the spear: an archaeologist will tell you about the hidden history of the Zandpoort.
First cadastral map
Take a seat on the bench and examine the carved-out map from 1732. This is the first cadastral map in the later Kingdom of the Netherlands. At that time, Gennep was Prussian and was the first to be cadastrally surveyed for accurate taxation.
‘The fountains of Genneper Huys‘
The fountains in this square provide lots of water fun in the summer. But there’s more to see. Engraved on the steel plate around the water spouts is the beginning of the Gennep anthem: “Waar de Niers langs kronkelwegen bij een burcht de Maas ontmoet.” Or translated: "Where the Niers along winding roads meets the Maas at a fortress." The siege of this fortress - the Genneper Huys - by Prince Frederik Hendrik with 20,000 men in 1641 is also depicted. You can see the Maas, Niers, Gennep, and the Genneper House with the trenches around it. We know what this looked like thanks to the famous siege maps by Blaeu.
Jan Linders Square
From milkman to supermarket entrepreneur. That is the story of Gennep resident Jan Linders. In 1958, he switched from a cart with a pony to a self-service shop called Klimop, and in 1963, he started a supermarket covering more than 300 square meters. Jan Linders grew into a chain of about 60 supermarkets. In 2023, the name Jan Linders disappeared from the streetscape. TV station L1 declared Jan the Greatest Limburger of all time in 2006. This central square, where events and the weekly market are held, was named after him.
Ceramics wall
In the white wall along the moat, you can see scale models of the Genneper Huys, the Martinus Tower, the Protestant Church, the New Gate, the town hall, the Petershuis, and the municipal office. It is no coincidence that Pieter Arts made them from ceramics. Gennep, with its location at two rivers, has a rich history of ceramics and potters. Around 1805, there were as many as 15 potters living in Gennep. Many ceramics have been found during excavations. You can admire them in the Petershuis Museum and at the Tourist Info in the cellar of the old town hall at the Market.
