Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market Square), Ghent

Every Friday there is a market in Vrijdagmarkt, Friday Market Square. Town markets have been held in the square since 1199. There is a statue of an armed man in the square. It is not the statue of a prince or a King or a mythological hero. It is a statue of a medieval businessman. He was also a politician and a bit of a dictator.

Jacob van Artevelde was a leader of the medieval guilds at a time when textiles were the life blood of Ghent industry. When the Count of Flanders, Louis I, abandoned Flanders in 1332, Van Artevelde became in effect, the ruler of Ghent. His administration was the first real option to feudalism. He was killed in the square by an envious business rival.

The square measures 100 X 100 meters. The buildings around the square are of different periods. The Tanners' Guild has a round tower and step gables. The Toreken Tower was used by the Cloth Guild. The Cloth Measurers House, dating from 1770 is on the north side of the square. The Art Nouveau "Our House" (1902) was home the the Socialist Party of Ghent.

The Friday Market Square has quite a few restaurants and cafes, most with outdoor seating. Markets are held on Fridays and Sundays. There is also a bird market on Monday.

Why You Should Visit:
Always a cool square to check out, with plenty of opportunities to take photos and soak up the atmosphere.
On Friday mornings, you can enjoy fresh produce, seafood, as well as clothes, collectibles and some gift items.