The Meat House (Vleeshuis) in Ghent, Belgium, is a striking medieval building that has been at the center of the city’s food trade for centuries. Built in the 15th century, it once served as a regulated meat market, and today it’s a hub for promoting local specialties such as Belgian beer, ham, and chocolate.
History of the Meat House
In medieval times, the sale of meat in Ghent was centralized in the Meat House to ensure quality control and freshness. Butchers could only sell their goods here, allowing city officials to inspect products and keep prices fair. Attached to the main structure is a small white building known as 't Galgenhuisje (“Gallows House”), where animal entrails were once sold cheaply to the poor. Today, it has found new life as a cozy bar.
Architectural Highlights
The Meat House is a fine example of 15th-century Flemish architecture, with a beautiful vaulted ceiling and a sturdy, elongated brick structure that reflects its market hall origins. Inside, the high arches and spacious hall evoke the bustling market atmosphere of the past.
Visitor Information
Location: Groentenmarkt 7, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Current Use: Regional product promotion, including tastings of local delicacies
Tip: Stop by 't Galgenhuisje next door for a drink in one of Ghent’s smallest bars
Why Visit the Meat House?
Visiting the Meat House is like stepping back into Ghent’s medieval trading days, only now, instead of bustling butchers, you’ll find Belgian culinary treasures. It’s an ideal stop for travelers who want to combine history with food, enjoying local flavors in a setting that has been central to Ghent’s market culture for over 500 years.
Tags
Belgium - Ghent