Bruges Fish Market

North Sea fish was initially sold on the Markt as an expensive delicacy for the rich. In the 18th century, however, the fishmongers were banned to this square because of … the bad smell . At first the fish was sold in the open air. In 1820, city architect Jean-Robert Calloigne designed a classicist colonnade with 126 Tuscan columns, which is now considered the oldest preserved fish hall in Belgium. In the middle of the 19th century the wooden sales tables were replaced by stone sales benches. These are still there

Before 1860, meat was sold here. Until 1860, meat was only allowed to be sold in the city's two meat houses . The Oostvleeshuis stood here, the Westvleeshuis on the site where Simon Stevinplein was built after its demolition (1819).

You can still buy fresh sea fish at the Vismarkt from Wednesday to Saturday morning . In addition, it is used as a display window for all kinds of merchandise, such as knick knacks and paintings, mainly aimed at tourists.

Willem Vandenameele