Allegro Moderato

The Guild of the Free Shipper indicates there is also a Guild of the Unfree Shippers. The difference between these two guild was that the "free shippers" were working for their own account and were free to sail the river Lyse, Schelde and the canal the Lieve. The "unfree shippers" were wage-earning and they had to sail the canal of the Lieve only.

You can also see the difference in power if you look at their guild-houses along this river. The Free-shippers built their guild-house in the 16th century along the Graslei in fancy Brabant Gothic Style. You can recognize it easily because there is a big barge above the door.

The Unfree Shippers could buy a tavern on the other side, at the Korenlei, in the 18th century. It is the house with the pink front and a golden boat at the top. The pub in the cellar still has the name of the Unfree Shippers. Above the pub you find the marvelous restaurant Allegro Moderato, with a great cook and a splendid interiour.

Vizit