The Graslei and the Koornlei

When visiting Ghent, one should always go to this beautiful area of the city: the Graslei and the Koornlei. These are the names of two streets which lie along the banks of the old harbor of Ghent, right in the middle of the city. Graslei means 'street of the herbs and vegetables'. Koornlei stands for 'street of the wheat'. Both names indicate that these specific products where traded or stocked in that area.

The 'SPIJKER' is the oldest house at the Graslei. It dates from the end of the 12th, beginning of the 13th century. In this house, the wheat that ships transported via Ghent had to be stocked for two or three weeks. This was due to the fact that Gent had received the privilege to stock grain and wheat in the SPIJKER to have reserves in times of famine.

The guild house of the 'FREE SAILORS'. This is perhaps the most beautiful house. The original house was built in 1355 but later rebuilt after it was sold to the guild of sailors in 1530. It boasts a beautiful late-gothic facade. The guild of sailors was one of the most powerful guilds because they had the privilege for ship transportation through the harbor of Ghent.

On the left side of the Spijker stands the first 'GRAIN COUNTERS HOUSE' and next to it the 'ANGEL' with its beautiful renaissance facade.

This group of houses reflects the wealth and power of the medieval guilds. Even after the decay of the Flemish trade, they were still rich enough to change their original wooden houses into splendid stone mansions. One of the few remaining wooden facades can still be seen from the bridge of the Gravensteen, the castle of the count of Flanders.