Groot Vleeshuis (Great Butcher's Hall), Ghent

The Great Butcher's Hall (Groot Vleeshuis) is a historic landmark in Ghent, originally serving as a covered market and guildhall for butchers. The first mention of the Hall appears in city documents from 1332-1333, referring to a smaller, wooden structure located on the Vismarkt, now known as the Vegetable Market (Groentenmarkt). By 1407, this older building had fallen into disrepair, prompting the butchers to relocate to a larger and more robust structure.

Between 1446 and 1448, a chapel with a meeting room was added to the southwestern corner of the building. To ensure a steady supply of fish, four canals were constructed beneath the hall, allowing flat fishing boats to access the market directly from the Lys River. The vaulted passages of these canals are still visible along the riverbank today.

In 1543, the Hall expanded to include 16 tripe houses, or shops, where viscera, intestinal fat, and other animal remains, as well as poultry, could be sold—items that were previously not permitted inside the main Hall. However, by the late 19th century, the Great Butcher's Hall became vacant after the butchers moved to a new meat house near the Vismijn on Sint-Veerleplein.

As part of preparations for the 1913 World's Fair, the Great Butcher's Hall and its tripe houses were restored to their pre-1744 condition under the direction of architect Van Hamme. The revamped building took on new roles, including serving as a market for fruits and vegetables, a Post and Telegraph office, a parking garage, and a partial fish trade.

Recognized for its unique architectural and historical value, the Great Butcher's Hall has been a protected monument since 1943. A major renovation in the late 1990s transformed the building into a promotion center for East Flemish regional products. Today, visitors can explore the Hall to find an array of Belgian specialties, such as chocolates and beer, along with various local souvenirs, celebrating the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the region.