The Klapgat is an alleyway opposite the tower of St John’s Church. People tended to congregate here for a chat (‘klappen’) after Mass. They did this so regularly that the alleyway was dubbed Klapgat, or Gossip Alley. A statue of Christ kept a watchful eye on the prattlers from the Mount of Olives. In the little chapel next to the statue you can see a group sculpture behind railings. The faithful used to come here to pray in times of difficulty. They would offer up a coin, placing it in the built-in collection-box.
How lovely.
Mechelen was an interesting city to visit.
Don’t you just love how these stories come about!
Yes they add to the interest
He he… are you sure it’s Gossip Alley not Gossip Gate?
Ha Ha
this is an interesting post. nice shots too Cherie
Thanks Ayush.
You have a nose for the more interesting aspects of anywhere you go, Cherie.
It is all down to research
That’s so cool. I love how close the Flemish and Afrikaans languages are – “gat” means gap, hole or space in Afrikaans.
Thank you for your insight on the Afrikaans language. It is interesting that despite the distances the Flemish and Afrikaans have the same word that describes a similar thing!