Lakenhalle (Ghent)

Lakenhalle, the Cloth Hall of Ghent, is a Gothic-style commercial building standing right beside the city's Belfry on Sint-Baafsplein, next to Saint Bavo's Cathedral. Together with the belfry tower, it forms one of the most recognizable architectural ensembles in the historic center of Ghent, Belgium.

When was the Cloth Hall built?

Construction began in 1425 and the main structure was completed by 1445. The design is attributed to Simon Van Assche, in the Brabantine Gothic style that was common across the southern Low Countries at the time. Interestingly, the building was never fully finished in one go — decorative and finishing touches were only added in 1903, nearly five centuries after work first started.

What was the Cloth Hall originally used for?

The name itself explains the building's purpose: it was the headquarters of Ghent's wool and cloth trade. During the Middle Ages, Ghent grew wealthy on the back of textile exports, and the Cloth Hall was where woollens were officially inspected, measured, and sold. In practice, the building functioned as a combined trade exchange and quality-control office for the industry that made the city one of the richest in medieval Europe.

What does the building look like architecturally?

The Cloth Hall is a rectangular structure adjoining the belfry, built in Brabantine Gothic style. It features pointed arches and windows, ribbed vaults inside, and ornate stonework and decorative tracery on its facades — hallmarks of 15th-century craftsmanship in the region. Its more restrained, functional form contrasts with the taller, more ceremonial belfry standing beside it, reflecting its original role as a working commercial building rather than a civic monument.

What is hidden beneath the Cloth Hall?

One of the lesser-known chapters of the building's history lies underground. The crypt served as a municipal prison from 1742 until 1902. This section became known as "De Mammelokker," a name taken from a relief above its doorway depicting a Greek legend in which a daughter breastfeeds her imprisoned father to save him from starving to death. The motif, seemingly unrelated to the cloth trade, has become one of the building's most talked-about artistic details.

Why does the Cloth Hall matter today?

Together with the belfry and the historic center of Ghent, the Cloth Hall has been part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing since 1999. The building stands as a tangible reminder of Ghent's economic and civic importance as a hub of the medieval European textile trade, and its direct connection to the belfry and Saint Bavo's Cathedral makes it a key stop for anyone exploring the old town.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors go inside the Cloth Hall? The building sits on Sint-Baafsplein as part of the belfry complex; current access to its interior can vary, so it's worth checking locally, since the building's function has changed several times over the centuries.

Where does the name "De Mammelokker" come from? It refers to the former prison section in the Cloth Hall's crypt, named after a relief above the entrance depicting a Greek legend about breastfeeding as an act that saves a life.

How is the Cloth Hall different from the Belfry? The Belfry is a tall bell tower with symbolic and defensive functions, while the Cloth Hall is the adjoining trade building where cloth was inspected, measured, and sold.