Vlaeykensgang in Antwerp, Belgium

Tucked away from the bustling streets of Antwerp's historic center, the Vlaeykensgang is a genuine portal to the 16th century. Dating back to 1591, this near-secret labyrinth of alleys and courtyards is one of the last remaining examples of a medieval "gang" (alley) in the city. To find it, one must pass through an inconspicuous wooden gate at Oude Koornmarkt 16, which looks more like a private entrance than a public passage. Once inside, the noise of the city fades, replaced by the quiet charm of cobblestone paths, ivy-covered brick walls, and tiny, picturesque houses. Historically, this alley was home to the city's poorest residents, particularly the cobblers (shoemakers) who managed the nearby guild. Legend also states that it served as a vital shortcut for the cathedral's bell-ringers (klokkenluiders), allowing them to quickly reach the church when the bells needed to be rung. Today, the alley is meticulously restored and houses private residences and a fine-dining restaurant, but it remains a publicly accessible oasis of calm that many visitors walk straight past, unaware of the history hidden just meters away.

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