Mammelokker, East Flanders Travel Guide

4.8 (12)

A moving sculpture in Ghent depicting a daughter saving her father's life, symbolizing hope and resilience on the Botermarkt.

The Mammelokker, a striking sculpture on Ghent's Botermarkt, tells a poignant tale of survival and filial devotion. It depicts a prisoner being suckled by his daughter, a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.

A brief summary to Mammelokker

Botermarkt 17, Ghent, Arrondissement of Ghent, 9000, BE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mammelokker.

Take a moment to reflect on the story behind the sculpture and its significance to the city of Ghent.
Visit the sculpture during the day to fully appreciate the details of the artwork.
Combine your visit with a walk around the historic Botermarkt and the nearby Graslei and Korenlei.

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Getting There

Walking

The Mammelokker is located on Botermarkt, easily accessible by foot from Ghent's city center. From Korenmarkt, walk west towards the St. Nicholas Church, then continue onto Botermarkt. The sculpture is on the facade of the building facing the square.
Public Transport

Several tram lines stop near the Korenmarkt. From the Korenmarkt stop, walk west towards the St. Nicholas Church, then continue onto Botermarkt. Tram fares are typically around €3 per single journey if purchased on the tram, or cheaper if purchased in advance.
Taxi/Ride-share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Ghent. A short ride from Ghent-Sint-Pieters railway station to Botermarkt will typically cost between €10-€15. Be sure to confirm the fare before starting your journey.

Discover more about Mammelokker

The Mammelokker, situated on the facade of the old city prison in Ghent, is more than just a sculpture; it's a powerful narrative etched in stone. The sculpture depicts a scene from the legend of the 'Mammelokker,' a story of a prisoner, Cimon, condemned to death by starvation. His daughter, Pero, was allowed to visit him, and she secretly kept him alive by breastfeeding him. The sculpture, created in 1741 by Pieter Van Viers, portrays Pero tenderly offering her breast to her father. This act of filial devotion moved the authorities, and Cimon was eventually freed. The name 'Mammelokker' itself is derived from 'mammelen,' an archaic Dutch word for suckling, and 'lokken,' meaning to entice or lure. Thus, it translates to 'she who suckles.'The Mammelokker serves as a reminder of the strength of human connection and the lengths to which people will go to protect their loved ones. It's a poignant symbol of hope, survival, and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The sculpture is a prominent landmark in Ghent, drawing visitors who are captivated by its powerful story and artistic merit. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and sacrifice.