Washington Square Park is the most popular park in Greenwich Village, known simply as “the Village”. This green space is frequented not only by local residents, but also by many university students, because it is near New York University, whose buildings in different architectural styles occupy almost the entire rectangular perimeter. These numerous habitués are joined by a variety of street artists, who perform impromptu jazz concerts, chess players seated at their tables concentrating on challenging battles, and squirrels scurrying peacefully among the neat flowerbeds throughout the park.
As you can see, the park is dominated by the imposing Stanford White Arch, better known as the Washington Square Arch.
This triumphal arch, now in marble, was originally built in plaster and wood in 1889, to commemorate the centennial of George Washington’s presidency. Stand in front of the large central fountain before the arch, and look through the center of the arch…
Can you see it? Yes, it’s the ever-present Empire State Building, spectacularly framed by the monument thanks to a particular visual perspective. And on your right, just a few steps away, you can also find a statue of Garibaldi, depicted in a heroic pose upon a pedestal as a gift to the city by the Italian community.
Don’t be surprised if you find a political meeting taking place in this peaceful retreat. Gatherings of this kind have always taken place here, and in recent times they’ve also been joined by renowned social and cultural events organized by the legendary Washington Square Park neighborhood association, including a popular music festival in summer, and, in winter, the ceremony for switching on the lights of the Christmas tree placed under the arch.
Before I go, an interesting fact: today this park is brimming with life, but until almost two centuries ago it was originally used as a public burial ground outside of the town for thousands of unknown or indigent people, together with the victims of a tremendous yellow fever epidemic, whose remains still lie under the park.
Language: English