Aleyn's house

Ghent is famous for the fact that there are a large number of historical and cultural buildings and structures, and the only almshouse in the city has been preserved here. This building has a unique history and fame that has spread throughout Belgium.

Features of Aleyn House

The history of this house - the almshouse is very rich and interesting - the history of the emergence of this institution is closely connected with the family of the Reims brothers, who were one of the most influential families in this city. They had a feud with the Aleyn family, which escalated after the daughter of a wealthy merchant did not marry her betrothed Hendrik Aleyn, but at the behest of her father was forced to marry Simon Reim. However, the merchant's daughter refused to stay in Reim's house and went back to her betrothed. After that, Simon, along with his brothers, poisoned himself to the Alens and killed the beloved daughter of the merchant, and later, together with his brothers, went on the run.

As expected, the Reims were accused by the court of a cruel crime, their houses were destroyed. Later, Simon decided to return to the city and ask for forgiveness - he paid a large sum in payment of the debt. In 1363 the Alains handed over their house to converting it into an almshouse. The Reims brothers were obliged to maintain this institution until their death.

In 1926, a museum was opened in Aleyn's house, in the same year the Union of the Folklore Society of East Flanders was created, in which folklore was studied. A year later, a folklore library was created. In 1932, the Folklore Museum appeared, which moved to Cranley Street in 1962.

In 2000, a folklore museum was reopened in this building, which was called the Alain House. Here, visitors are presented with various expositions - folklore, craft, creativity. Curious is the exhibit of the 20th century hairdressing salon, which preserved all the items that were used for haircuts at that time. To immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the 20th century, museum visitors are provided with audio and video cassettes, with which you can see and listen to various stories of local residents, as well as see the life of that time from different angles.

If you're interested in seeing what life in modern Belgium looked like a century ago, this museum is the right place to visit, with a lot to see and hear.