The Groenplaats is a square in the centre of Antwerp. In the center of the square is the statue of Rubens . It was designed in 1840 by Willem Geefs and unveiled in 1843.At least since the 13th century, the south side of the Cathedral of Our Lady served as an Antwerp cemetery, for the poorer residents who could not afford to be buried in the church itself. The cemetery was a part of the allodial land owned by the Cathedral chapter without any feudal obligations. In 1784, Emperor Joseph II forbade the burial of deceased within the city wallsIn 1795, the grounds of the cathedral, were claimed by the French. A few years later, in 1799, the walls around it were demolished. Construction of the Place de l’égalité (Equality Square) began in 1803. The houses located in the area were demolished and three rows of lime trees were planted.