Walplein - Bruges

According to the most common view, it owes its name to the proximity of the first ramparts of the city, built in 1127. However, on most prints of the Bruges city plan drawn by Marcus Gerards, engraved in the year 1562, it is called "Waals Plein" , which has led some to believe that the French-speaking merchants (Walloons and French) gathered there to trade. This assumption is incorrect . The addition of street names and legends to Gerards' plan only happened in the 18th century and is not reliable.

In the 19th century, the square was characterized, among other things, by the presence of tanneries and blue dyers.

Breweries have always stood on the square and in the vicinity, at least since the 16th century. On the corner with Wijngaardstraat is a statue of Saint Roch, patron saint of hop growers, which refers to the numerous breweries.

In 1441, house no. 21 was home to the brewery "De Wulf", one of the 54 breweries in Bruges at the time. We can still see the emblem above the gate entrance to the neo-Gothic building behind it.

Today, the only active brewery in the city center can be found here: 'De Halve Maan' brewery.

On this square, the almshouse 'Le Maire', founded in 1910, was immersed in a 17th century warehouse. On the garden side, a few houses and a small chapel have also been added.

In addition to an offer of cozy terraces under the trees, Jef Claerhout pays tribute to the Bruges coachmen with his artwork 'Zeus, Leda, Prometheus and Pegasus visit Bruges'

Willem Vandenameele