The Markt of Bruges
The Markt has been the commercial center of the town and actually it partly still is.There still is a market on the square every Wednesday morning.The Markt is largely pedestrianized and is used for a number of different events.During the Christmas market for example, a big ice skating ring is placed here.The most known building is the cloth hall with its belfry tower, that was built around 1240 [more information on the belfry].Because the cloth hall had become too small, in 1284 a second hall was constructed: the waterhall.This large gothic covered hall stood over the Kraanrei (which has been filled up in the meantime).Goods that were transported via the water could thus be traded immediately.The waterhall was demolished in 1791 during the French occupation.In its place, new buildings were erected, however most of those were destroyed during a fire in 1878.On that place, the impressive neogothic complex of the Provincial Court was built.