Herberg Sint Godelieve, horecapand en erfgoed in Gistel, België
Herberg Sint Godelieve is a 17th-century inn in Gistel built with white-painted brick walls, simple rectangular windows, and a gabled roof covered in clay tiles. The main structure dates to 1654, with additional wings and a side stable area added later, creating a complex of connected buildings.
The building was constructed in 1654, as documented by a date stone on its wall, becoming an important rest stop for travelers heading toward Bruges. By the 18th century, it appeared on maps as a substantial inn with stable facilities, serving pilgrims bound for the nearby monastery and merchants on major trade routes.
The name refers to Saint Godelieve, a saint honored through processions and pilgrimages that still bring locals together each July. For centuries, this place served as a meeting spot where travelers, pilgrims, and townspeople gathered, a role it continues to play in the community today.
The building sits at a street corner just outside the old town walls and is easily accessible on foot from central Gistel. It currently operates as a restaurant and cafe, so visitors should plan their visit according to regular business hours and seasonal changes.
An anchor shaped like the number six remains visible on the exterior wall, a historical detail marking the building's age and structural resilience across four centuries. These metal tie-anchors were commonly used to prevent cracking and hold thick walls together.
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