Did you know that the houses number 12 and 14, located on rue Barre Saint-Brice in Tournai, are considered to be the oldest in Belgium?
The houses were built back in 1172 and 1200. During the Second World War, these buildings were significantly damaged during the bombing and were partially restored.
In Ghent, on the Graslei embankment, where there are many old houses, the oldest – No. 10 dates back to the 12th century, it was built as a granary and was used for this purpose until the beginning of the 18th century.
By the way, the Graslei embankment, located in the historic center of the city, is a former harbor for merchant ships, and now one of the most beautiful streets of Ghent.
The oldest house in Antwerpen is situated on Stoelstraat, nestled in the heart of Antwerp’s historic center. This three-quarter house boasts a striking wooden gable and dates back to 1500. It holds the distinction of being the only original wooden house in the city to have survived the test of time, having endured six wars.
However, from 1546 onward, the residents of Antwerp decided to switch to stone structures to minimize the risk of devastating fires that could rapidly spread between houses.
Today, the beautifully restored house offers the opportunity for groups of up to 12 people to rent it as a short-term holiday stay. It provides a truly unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and ambiance of this extraordinary wooden house.
