Ghent - Cloth Hall

(Local Name: Lakenhalle) The splendid Cloth Hall directly adjoins the Belfry. This building (1426-1441) by Simon van Assche, restored in 1900-1903 was the meeting place of the wool and cloth traders, the "Halleheeren". The Gothic ground floor, partly below ground, is divided into three by 20 columns.

In 1741 it housed the town prison, today it has a cafe-restaurant which is popular with tourists.