The guild houses of Bruges
Just like in most of the medieval towns, guilds were also active in Bruges.Guild houses were commissioned by the various guilds.They were the administrative seat of the organisation and the place where they held their meetings.These houses were generally copiously decorated and surviving examples can still be counted among the most impressive civil structures in the historic center. The houses they had built were an expression of the wealth and power; the more impressive the house was, the richer the guild was. Guilds existed until the end of the 18th century.They were organizations that gathered traders or craftsmen of a certain profession.Before being able to become a member of a guild, one had to apply and complete an apprenticeship with a master.After that, the apprentice had to do a test after which he could be allowed to perform the craft.This way, they ensured the quality of the work.