The Royal Dutch Theatre in Gent Belgium is an attractive historical building located on Sint-Baafsplein Square between St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfry Tower. The facade above the entrance shows an allegorical scene that includes the god Apollo in his charriot and his muses looking out over the square completed in a multi-coloured mosaic.

Right at the top of the building is the lady Harmonia who keeps her eye on things. The Groot Huis was designed by architect Edmond De Vigne and built at the end of the 19th century. Apparently the theatre's interior is shaped by neo-Renaissance and eclectic designs.

The theatre was completely restored between 1987 and 1993 and was also adapted to meet the modern requirements of theatre technology and fire safety. You can purchase tickets in the entrance hall on the ground floor. Visitors are only allowed in the theatre halls during performances. The foyer on the first floor is open to all. Guided tours can be organised, even after a performance.

The Memmelocke Statue

The Memmelocke Statue can be found at Botermarkt 17. It is a classical statue located in on the top of a small building between the Belfry and Lakenhalle. This building was the entrance to the city prison and also the wardens house. From 1742 to 1902 the city jail was housed in the crypt of the Lakenhalle.

The scene is from a Roman Legend that tells the story of how a prisoner who was condemned to die by starvation and thirst, was saved by his adult daughter. The man was thrown into a dungeon by the Roman prefect in Ghent. The only person allowed to visit him was his daughter but she could not take any food or drink into the cell. Six months later he was still alive.

Apparently the daughter, had just giving birth and was able to breastfed her father every day. The prefect was so touched that he released the man. The statue was built in 1741 designed by David't Kindt

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