7. The Fish Market

7. The Fish Market

Welcome to the Fish Market in Luxembourg!

This was once the political, economic, religious and cultural centre of the city. While the fortress was being built on the ‘Bock’ Promontory, the first small settlement was also slowly being established by traders, skilled craftsmen and labourers who benefitted from the count’s building project and the protection of the fortress wall.

Describing this as a fish market is somewhat misleading. There was not just fish being offered and sold, but also a variety of foods and goods the townspeople needed on a daily basis. It was only after 1692 that the term ‘Fish Market’ was used as fish was in fact the main item being sold here.

As in most town squares in the Middle Ages, a justice cross was located here but has since disappeared. This colourfully painted stone cross in its central location was meant to catch the visitor’s eye. It symbolised both market peace but also the jurisdiction of the municipal authorities who would crack down hard on any non-compliance and made this clear for the townspeople.

However, the Fish Market was also the central political location of the Provincial Council whose main responsibility was to administer the Duchy of Luxembourg. In its imposing building once located in the ’rue du Conseil’ (presently ‘rue Sigefroi’) were, in addition to the meeting and conference hall, the chancellery with offices for the official clerk. Unfortunately, a large blaze destroyed this magnificent complex in 1554.

However, the Fish Market also functioned as a place of execution. In the Middle Ages and up to modern times, justice was administered rather arbitrarily. Even minor offences and misdemeanours were severely penalised. For instance, theft was punishable by chopping off the perpetrator’s hand or attaching the person to the pillory. These gruesome public displays were meant to discourage the masses from committing such crimes, but also as a type of amusement or form of public entertainment. The crowd’s special favourite was the ‘Stillchen’, the pillory. The convicted person would be tied to a post and passers-by were encouraged to hurl abuse and throw refuse at them. The ‘Lumpenring’ or ‘rascal’s ring’ was located next to the pillory and reserved for incorrigible liars and slanderers. The person would wear a heavy metal mask to further humiliate them. These inhuman forms of punishment were legally abolished in 1879.

In addition, and up to 1820, especially spectacular executions by decapitation also took place here. From September 1798, the guillotine would be erected when a death sentence had to be carried out.

Interesting Detail
Right up to 1890, all court decisions and judicial rulings would be made public between 11 and 12 o’clock. In order to attract the general public’s attention, the court usher would swing a handbell before making the proclamation. The building ‘Gëlle Klack’ (Golden Bell) is a reminder of this former practice.

A further important building located here is St. Michael’s Church, the oldest church in the city. The first public clock was installed here towards the end of the 14th century.

Significance for Human Rights
The Fish Market, like many historical sites in the city, has a positive but also a dark aspect. As the ‘heart’ of the city, it was always a meeting point for its citizens, making it possible for them to discuss and exchange views. On the other hand, it was a terrifying area due to its being the place of execution where presumed criminals were cruelly tortured and put to death.

Fortunately, the Fish Market has lost its terrifying reputation to become a peaceful gathering place and hub for cultural exchanges with pleasant cafés and restaurants. In addition, the National Museum provides insight into Luxembourg’s changeable past history for those who are interested.

Article 3
Everyone has the right to life and to live in freedom and safety.

Article 5
Everyone has the right to be free from torture.

Article 20
Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.