Located in the historic center of Bruges, Stoofstraat is a narrow alleyway with a unique past. Known since the Middle Ages for its public baths called badstoven, it still retains its original name today and is one of the city’s historical and urban curiosities.
Galerie photos
Andries Van den abeele, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A narrow alleyway in the center of Bruges
The Stoofstraat is a steeg, a narrow alleyway located in the historic center of Bruges. It connects the Katelijnestraat to the Walplein and is distinguished by its elbow-shaped layout.
The Stoofstraten in the Middle Ages
In the 14th and 15th centuries, there were many Stoofstraten in Bruges. They were associated with badstoven, public bathhouses that offered relaxation and entertainment to a wealthy and international clientele.
Public baths and a scandalous reputation
These badstoven were sometimes recognized establishments, sometimes clandestine, and could also function as houses of pleasure. This scandalous reputation explains the gradual disappearance of these places from the 16th century onwards.
The only Stoofstraat to have retained its name
Most of the old Stoofstraten in Bruges have changed their names over time. This is the only one to have retained its original name. To distinguish it from the others, it was formerly known as Stove bachten Walle, in reference to its proximity to the Walplein.
More picturesque historical names
The alley was also known as Kromme Walschestraat and, more colloquially, Strontstraatje, reflecting its popular history and its place in medieval urban life.
A tourist rediscovery in the 20th century
In the second half of the 20th century, the Stoofstraat, then little frequented, was rediscovered by tourism. It was included in sightseeing routes and saw the establishment of shops and workshops geared towards visitors.
A type of street found in many cities
Stoofstraten exist or have existed in other Belgian and regional cities, such as Aalst, Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, Kortrijk, Liège, Mechelen, and Merchtem, reflecting the importance of public baths in medieval society.
Location
Stoofstraat is located in the historic center of Bruges, between Katelijnestraat and Walplein.
