In the middle of the Vrijdagmarkt stands one of Ghent's heroes: Jacob van Artevelde. The wool merchant who took charge of Ghent during the Hundred Years' War between France and …
Jacob van Artevelde pronunciation, nicknamed the Wise Man, was a Flemish popular leader and statesman. As a cloth merchant, broker and owner of extensive properties, he belonged to the wealthy bourgeoisie in Ghent. Jacob van Artevelde was best known as a Ghent rebel leader. Wikipedia Born: 1290, Ghent Died: 24 July 1345, Ghent
This market square is home to the statue of Jacob van Artevelde. A famous Ghentian who has lend his name to the city itself. (Ghent also known as Arteveldestad) This square has many bars and restaurants to enjoy local cuisine and on fridays you can go to the actual friday's market from morning till noon more or less.