The Great Butchers’ Hall

The long building in front of you is Ghent’s former Great Butchers’ Hall, listed as a historical monument since 1943. It was built in 1407 by the city’s architect to replace an older wooden meat market that had fallen into disrepair. In medieval times, meat sales were strictly limited to these halls, so that the city could monitor quality and freshness. Today, beneath its stunning Gothic timber roof, you’ll find nearly every regional specialty East Flanders has to offer – and there’s a lot! Imagine rows of delicious Ganda hams drying overhead, jars of tasty Tierenteyn mustard, beer-infused cheeses, bags of local sweets such as cuberdons, and plenty more gourmet treats which you can discover and enjoy for yourself. Tasting authentic Ghent flavours in a centuries-old monument isn’t just a treat, it’s an experience. Unfortunately, the Great Butchers’ Hall is currently closed for renovation, but you can still find all these local specialties in a temporary shop open during the work, next to the city hall on Goudenleeuwplein street.