Remember that small triangular patch of land? Bopa Plads. Nestled where Randersgade meets Løgstørgade it might seem unremarkable. Yet Bopa Plads holds a secret history. In the 1880s Randersgade was extended northward. A small space was created at the crossroads with Kalkbrænderivej now Løgstørgade. In 1890 it was paved and became a square unofficially called Trekantpladsen. Bopa Plads remained nameless for many years.
Bopa Plads was more than just a quiet spot. It held a strategic location. During World War II a resistance group operated nearby. This group initially known as KOPA later changed its name to BOPA. BOPA stood for Borgerlige Partisaner meaning Bourgeois Partisans. These brave individuals performed over 1000 acts of sabotage against the German occupation. They risked their lives for freedom. Sadly 38 members of BOPA paid the ultimate price.
In 1975 to 1977 traffic changes transformed Bopa Plads. Car traffic was banned. A small playground was built. It became a local gathering place. The quiet charm remained. The community embraced Bopa Plads as their own. Cafe Bopa and Cafe Pixies added to its convivial atmosphere. The cafes’ colorful lights created a lively ambience. Bopa Plads truly embodied community spirit.
In 2013 the municipality planned to close Bopa Plads. They wanted to replace it with a daycare center. Local residents strongly protested. Their objections were heard. The project was cancelled. Bopa Plads was saved. It remains a cherished spot. A place where neighbors meet and socialize. Bopa Plads continues to be a reminder of resistance and community. A place that reflects the resilience and spirit of its people. A testament to community strength. A vibrant part of Copenhagen’s history.