Vleeshal, building in Breda, Netherlands
The Vleeshal is a stone building from the early 17th century standing on the Grote Markt in Breda and holds the status of a protected national monument. The facade features pilasters, a large gate with carved cattle heads, and a statue of Saint George added during a 1772 renovation.
The building was constructed between 1614 and 1617 and converted to a meat hall in 1617, with the upper floor used by a local shooting guild. A major renovation in 1772 refreshed the facade while preserving the original gate and cattle sculptures.
The name refers to its original function as a meat trading center in the city's commercial life. The sculpture of Saint George and the dragon above the entrance represents a local protector figure and shows how the community expressed its identity through public artworks on the building's front.
The building sits in the center of Breda on the Grote Markt and is easily accessible on foot. Today it houses restaurants and cafes where visitors can enjoy the space and the historic surroundings with cobblestone streets.
The stone gate frame was created by Melchior Herbach, a sculptor who also worked for Prince Maurits, and features carefully chiseled cattle heads. These rare carved details from the early 17th century have remained nearly intact through the centuries.
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