Het Huis van Alijn

Het Huis van Alijn Review

The Folklore Museum, the Kraanlei waterfront, and the ancient Patershol district behind it form an enchanting ensemble. The museum includes several settings, including 18 medieval almshouses surrounding a garden, reconstructed to offer an idea of life here 100 years ago. You'll also find a Gent version of Williamsburg, Virginia, with a grocer's shop, tavern, weaver's workshop, and washroom. The chemist's shop features 17th- to 19th-century pharmacy items, and the pipe and tobacco collection has a large selection of snuff, pouches, and tools. The visitors' route takes you from the houses to the chapel and out through the crypt. Children are often drawn to the giant pageant figures, board games, and frequent shows in the beamed-and-brick puppet theater. The star is "Pierke," the traditional Gent puppet. There are some English-language brochures available.