Vrydagmarkt square


The rich and varied history of Ghent will not leave indifferent even the most lazy listeners, and the bizarre city legends cause a smile and charge with fun. In addition, it so happened that the Medieval Ghent is a real city of markets. Some names of the areas are: Vegetable market, Grain market, Chicken market, Oil market, Linen market. Even the name of the central square of Vrijdagmarkt is translated as "Friday market". Surprisingly, in such places, trade was not simply conducted: they played out the role of a kind of scene of political and public life in the city. Therefore, Vrydagmarkt Square has seen a lot in its time: public executions, public court, and even accession to the throne.

Interesting facts about the area Vrydagmarkt in Ghent

In 500 m from Grafsky castle you can find the oldest square of the city. This is Vrydagmarkt, the so-called Friday market, the area of ​​which occupies about 1 hectare. Once the epicenter of Ghent's social life, until now Vrydagmarkt attracts considerable interest from tourists and visitors of the city. Every Friday there is still a noisy market, which more acquires the features of a fair of folk craftsmen. However, in order to have time to make purchases in this historic place, you will have to hurry up with awakening, because the main trade here is from 7.30 to 13.00. However, on Saturday in Vrydagmarkt square you can also find rows of traders who sell a variety of souvenirs and other household items. And on this day, trade is in a less strict spirit, and work begins only from 11.00 and continues until 18.00. On Sundays, a bird market is set up in Vrydagmarkt square.

What to see in the square?

In the center of the square towers a monument to Jacob van Artevelde. Once it was he who led the revolt against the Count of Flanders, and also chose the side of England in the conflict, called the Hundred Years' War, for which he received the nickname of "wise man". Under his leadership in 1340, it was on the Vrihdagmarkt Square, Edward II, that English was recognized by the French king with the support of guilds. In general, there are many more cases in which Jacob van Artevelde brought exceptional benefits to both the guilds and the city as a whole. Therefore, the pedestal of the monument and frame the coats of various guilds, as well as images of the three treaties that were concluded thanks to Jacob.

The oldest building on Vrijdagmarkt Square can be called the house of Toreke, whose construction dates from the second half of the 15th century. Externally, it traces the features of the Gothic style, in addition, the house has a round staircase and a stepped pediment, and instead of a weathercock, the spire of the tower is crowned by a mermaid with a mirror. Today, here is the Poetic Center of Ghent.

But the most famous institution on the Square of the Friday market is the beer Dulla Griet. This legendary institution has its own history. Once his master invented special "impregnated" glasses, which were served with a special wooden stand. Even being under the influence of hops, it was quite difficult to drench from them. And the locals so fond of these glasses that they allegedly accidentally "grab" them home. The owner did not like this state of affairs, so at the entrance to the pledge he began to demand ... shoes. So to this day in this institution there is a tradition - to ask the visitor shoes in pledge. However, no one is serious about this.

How to get there?

Getting to Vrydagmark Square is easy enough. The nearest Gent Sint-Jacobs bus station is near St. Jakob's Church, and you can get there by bus number 3, 5, 38, 39, N3.