The central square is a (0) TYPICAL (TYPE) feature of the European city. Most cities began as commercial centres, the original 1SETTLE growing up around a marketplace that was a 2FOCUS point for the local agricultural community. Even where cities developed for 3STRATEGY reasons, like those near castles guarding key routes, the establishment of a market square often heralded truly urban development. As the city grew and became 4PROSPER so the square became the centre of the community, and prominent public buildings and private houses were constructed around it. The physical sense of enclosure helped to give the city its 5IDENTIFY, and the square became the obvious meeting place for its citizens. It was where they gathered at festival time, and where they went to protest in times of 6REST. Today, despite the trend for commercial activities to leave the central area and 7LOCATE in the suburbs, the square remains an important part of a city's identity, in stark contrast to the seeming 8ANONYMOUS of modern suburban development. For this reason, it is still regarded as significant by town planners.