The Wolsack

In the Oude Beurs, one of the oldest alleys in the city, lies the heritage house Den Wolsack, also known as 'Keyserscroon'. You can go there for any questions about immovable heritage. The name 'Wolsack' refers to a dead-end alley (sack) where wool was stacked. The monumental late Baroque entrance gate of no. 27 already creates certain expectations, and the visitor is not disappointed. The summer house from 1772 in the corner of the spacious courtyard is a real surprise. This former storage place was converted into a luxurious reception and showcase hall, presumably by architect Engelbrecht Baets, commissioned by the notable François Adrien van den Bogaert. The impressive clock on the facade is from the maker who also designed the clock of the cathedral. The interior is richly decorated, including a stunning ceiling painting depicting the gods on Mount Olympus. During the demolition of some outbuildings that were on the verge of collapse, the remains of a late Gothic house tower, a so-called 'pagaddertoren', were uncovered. From there, often children, the pagadders, gazed out towards the horizon in the hope of seeing the spice ships arrive in the harbor.

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