Haringmarkt (Herring Market)

Location: Haringmarkt, 8340 Damme [gps]
Accessibility: the square is freely accessible

At the edge of the small centre of the town lies one of the most picturesque and most tranquil places of Damme: the Herring Marktet.  Typical for this little square are the white painted small houses with their green and white shutters.  These used to be poorhouses.  

Centrally on the square is a lime-tree: the freedom tree that was planted here in the beginning of the previous century. Next to it is the statue of fraternization between Damme Belgium and Damme Germany.  As a recollection to the medieval water distribution system, one of the old pumps has been saved here.

The name "Haringmarkt" refers to the stack right on herring that Damme had in the Middle Ages.  From the square you have great view on the Water Gate via which the Lieve canal entered the town.  And with a bit of luck you'll see a flock of sheep grazing on the town walls.