Old toll house, Medieval toll collection point at Jan van Eyckplein, Bruges, Belgium
The Old Toll House is a building complex in Bruges featuring a distinctive pointed gable of natural stone that reflects medieval construction. The complex includes several connected structures and occupies a significant location in the historic city center.
The structure was built in the early 1200s as a merchant residence and later became the office of the Great Toll, managing trade through the Langerei harbor. This transformation reflects how the city shifted from residential use to becoming an important trading center.
The building now houses the Provincial Library and Archives of Bruges, where visitors and researchers come to access historical records. This role connects its medieval past as a trading center with its present purpose as a place where knowledge is preserved and shared.
The building sits at the intersection of Academiestraat and Genthof and connects easily to main transport routes in the city center. Wheelchair access is limited, so visitors with mobility needs should confirm accessibility before planning a visit.
The structure received heritage protection status in 1962 and carries the Flemish Heritage Object identification number 29359. This official designation highlights its importance as a preserved record of Bruges' trading history.
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