Architectural Jewels along the Zoutwerf
The Salt Wharf (Zoutwerf) originated in the 13th century under the name “Werf,” but received its iconic name in 1301 when the city of Mechelen acquired the staple right to salt. This atmospheric street stretches from the Grootbrug to ‘t Pleintje, and still harbors traces of its rich past. The imposing quay wall, built in 1389 and still fully intact, runs parallel to the Dijlepad and features ornate iron railings. Once the Salt Wharf was a bustling trading place, where salt was traded. Today, some beautiful historic facades recall those days and give the street a unique charm.
A shining example of the historic splendor at the Salt Wharf (Zoutwerf) is the famous house “The Salmon,” which along with several other preserved buildings testifies to the glorious trading period. Unfortunately, not all craft houses on the quay have been spared and some have left the streetscape for good. Nevertheless, a fascinating interplay of architectural styles can be admired at the beginning of the quay. From Gothic timber construction and traditional styles to the refinement of the Renaissance and Baroque, and finally the elegance of 18th-century designs, these properties offer a unique look at the evolution of architecture over the centuries.
Brewery and Flower Mills on the Zoutwerf
I would also like to mention that until the end of 1955, the stables and carts of the Lamot Brewery were located at the end of the Zoutwerf and ‘t Pleintje in the Diependael buildings. It was sometime in the mid-1950s that horse and cart as means of transportation were replaced by trucks.
Brewery Lamot bought the Flower Mills Nielsen n.v., which burned down in 1961, located at the Salt Yard in order to park its company cars there. Around 1835 there was also a pre-industrial saltworks on the grounds of Flower Mills Nielsen. It was not until 1900 that it also housed a steam grinding mill.
After the disappearance of the Lamot brewery from Mechelen, the plot served as a public parking lot for many years. In 1995, an Archaeological Project “Salt Yard” was started . The purpose of the research was to find evidence of the origins of Mechelen, which, according to history, is said to have originated near the Korenmarkt and the Zoutwerf.
Beautiful Protected Facades on the Dyle
The protected civil house“De Kevie” (1775) formerly the Brewery “Three Kings” (1467) is a fine example of a Baroque deep house, which was destroyed during the Second World War, and fortunately rebuilt in 1952 by the famous architect and designer A. Roose. ( Salt Yard 3 )
The 16th century civic house“The Pelican” is a deep house formerly called”In the City of Tienen” and served as a lodging house. Also note on the right side of the door, a stone console representing a man with beard and hat. ( Salt Wharf 10 )
To the right of De Pelikaan, we glimpse the beautifully restored civic house“De Zeehondt” built during the years 1757 – 1759, and protected by Monument Care since 1996. Due to fungus and wood infestation, a thorough restoration urged itself, which resulted in a restoration in 2008. On the street side, the reconstruction was done entirely to the 18th century appearance. The basket arch door, the iron balcony gate and the vaulted cellars are just a few examples of original parts of the house that have been preserved. The back house, and the valuable 18th-century interior, as well as some 19th-century elements, of the front house have also been completely preserved after the restoration.( Salt Wharf 9 )
A fine example of architecture on the Salt Wharf are two houses in traditional construction, dating from the 16th century, with a wooden gable. Under the name“Waag” and“Steur“, the people of Malines know these beautiful house facades. Right next to the Waag and Steur on your right you will notice a small wooden round arch door or gate in a brick wall, behind this gate you will find the Konijnengang. which was used as a firebreak until the end of the 19th century, connecting the Zoutwerf and the Korenmarkt. ( Salt Wharf 7 and 8 )
Houses In den Grooten en Kleinen Zalm
Guild house“Den Kleinen Zalm” dating back to the 17th century, once served under the name“Innehuysken“, a trading house where the city rights were received. After a fire, it was re-established in 1680 by fishmongers and acquired its final name“Den Kleinen Zalm“. Until the end of the 19th century, one could get from the Salt Wharf to the Korenmarkt through the so-called Konijnengang here. ( Salt Wharf 5 )
The façade of the Groote Zalm has exceptional heritage value, because here, for the first time in our regions, a traditional Gothic and openwork skeleton façade was combined with classical, early Renaissance ornamentation.
The former Monastery of the Melatees “Santvliet” was sold in 1519 to the nering of fishmongers. From 1530-35 rebuilt as a craft house“In den Grooten Zalm“.
Until the French Revolution it was a craftsman’s house of fishmongers. Afterwards the home of painter Willem Geets (1839-1919). Around 1850 the building was restored. See also the basket arch door under casement with bas-relief depicting gilded salmon with inscription“In den Grooten Zalm” on banderol. In 1943 purchased by the city of Mechelen and in 1959 it was converted into a museum of old Mechelen arts and crafts.
Heemkunde Vlaanderen and Festival of Flanders had their offices in these historic buildings. The facades, roofs and joinery of The Groote and the Kleine Zalm will be restored as of Oct. 12, 2015. The temporary association Monument Vandekerckhove – Altritempi was in charge of the restoration ( Salt Yard 5 )
Vanished Glory with the House of Spooner
Perhaps one of the most beautiful house facades of the Salt Wharf was the house“Lepelaar or Lepelaer“, built in early Renaissance by R. Keldermans, a name we frequently meet in building projects in old Mechelen. The Lepelaar was severely damaged in bombing raids on April 19, 1944, and unfortunately went up in flames.
Unfortunately, the Lepelaer was later hit a second time by a V1 bomb, which was the final final blow. For a while it was thought to reconstruct the house stone by stone, but this turned out not to be feasible. Exactly on this spot, luxurious apartments are being built in 2016, whose name“Residentie Lepelaar” recalls the bygone days of one of the most beautiful houses on the Salt Wharf.
Heritage and Contemporary Architecture
Today, the Salt Wharf is a mix of contemporary and past architecture. Because of its location on the banks of the Dijle and the popular Dijle path, the Salt Wharf is very popular with walkers because of its beautiful location, but also because the Salt Wharf is located directly on the shopping area. The reconstruction and layout of the Salt Wharf, which was part of the“Masterplan Dijlepad“, was commissioned by the city of Mechelen and designed by the Italian architects Secchi & Vigano (who also designed the reconstruction of the Veemarkt). The reconstruction took into account the existing (architectural) heritage and was complemented with contemporary and appropriate architecture.
A shining example of the historic splendor at the Salt Wharf is the famous house “The Salmon,” which along with several other preserved buildings testifies to the glorious trading period. Unfortunately, not all craft houses on the quay have been spared and some have left the streetscape for good. Nevertheless, a fascinating interplay of architectural styles can be admired at the beginning of the quay. From Gothic timber construction and traditional styles to the refinement of the Renaissance and Baroque, and finally the elegance of 18th-century designs, these properties offer a unique look at the evolution of architecture over the centuries.