The Statue of Simon Stevin, Brugge

Simon Stevinplein in Bruges is named after and dominated by the statue of the Bruges-born mathematician Simon Stevin, best known for proving the law of equilibrium on an inclined plain. The bronze sculpture of Stevin stands atop a plinth made of Belgian bluestone measuring in total 3 meters high. It was erected in 1839 by resolution of The Bruges City Corporation and the provincial government of West Flanders. Many local Catholics initially opposed the installation while the liberally-minded people, on the contrary, were strongly in favor of it and finally prevailed. The statue inauguration was planned for July 26, 1846, however, the real statue was not ready on that date, so a plaster replica had to be unveiled instead. The real statue - created by Belgian sculptor Louis Eugene Simonis - was set into place only one year later. Surrounding the monument are numerous shops and cafes, and the area itself is a popular spot for tourists who come here often.