Mattenbuden

As one of the oldest place names in the Lower Town, the Mattenbuden (Mat Stalls) are mentioned as early as 1379. The explanation given by Hirsch, that the name referred to lodgings for foreign sailors (from Low German "mät"), is incorrect.

The oldest Danzig statute (Willkür) from the mid-15th century already explains the purpose of the Mattenbuden: "Czwischen den mattenbuden unde brugken sal nymands fuer haben unde man sal keyne matten binden den in den mattenbuden" (Between the mat stalls and the bridges no one shall have fire, and no one shall bind mats except in the mat stalls). The name remained unchanged until the war.