Ghent
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Ghent is an attractive university town and center of Eastern Flamish Region, at the confluence of the rivers Scheldt and Leie. It has approx. 250,000 residents. As one of the slightly less-known sites of Belgium, it can surprise a visitor with its tranquillity and beauty. Much of the city’s medieval architecture remains intact and is very well preserved and restored. The city centre is the largest carfree area in Belgium.
Around 650, two abbeys was founded in Ghent: St. Peter’s (Blandinium) and St Bavo’s Abbey. The city grew and flourished from the 11th century, growing to become a small city-state. By the 13th century, Ghent was the biggest city in Europe north of the Alps after Paris. The wool industry created the first European industrialized zone in Ghent in the High Middle Ages.
Recreation
Annually held, 10 days long music and theatre festival Gentse Feesten is famous.
Rederij Dewaele Canal Cruise is a splendid way to get acquainted with the town from the boat. Pub areas are in St. Veerleplein Square and Blandijnberg.
Shopping
Veldstraat is Ghent’s central pedestrian shopping street. Here are main retail chains and cozy cafés.
Vrijdagmarkt has street markets on Friday (7:30am-1pm) and Saturday (11am-6pm), as well as the Sunday bird market (7am-1pm). Here a visitor can find cheap souvenirs.
Something to explore
St Bavo’s Cathedral
This cathedral is one of the most important Flemish cultural sites, and a definite must-see. The building is based upon the Chapel of St. John the Baptist, a primarily wooden construction; it was consecrated in 942. Traces of this original structure are evident in the cathedral’s crypt. The chapel was subsequently expanded in the Romanesque style in 1038, and in period from the 14th through 16th centuries, nearly continuous expansion projects in the Gothic style were executed on the church. The 24-panel altarpiece “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”, completed in 1432 by Flemish painter Jan van Eyck, is one of the fines in Belgium. Other art treasures in the cathedral include Rubens’s restored “The Conversion of St. Bavo” from 1623.
Gravensteen Castle
This majestetic castle was built in in 1180 by count Philip of Alsace. ”Gravensteen” means “castle of the counts” in Dutch. Before its construction, there stood a wooden castle on the site, allegedly built in the 9th century. The castle served as the seat of the Counts of Flanders until the 14th century. The castle was then used as a courthouse and a prison. In 1885 the city of Ghent bought the castle and started a renovation project. The castle is partly surrounded by the moat, and today it houses a museum depicting e.g. medievel torture devices. Opening hours
Museum of Fine Arts
This museum is located at the eastern side of the Citadelpark. It depicts a collection of art from the Middle Ages until the mid 20th century, focusing mainly on Flemish Art. There is also few works of French art in exhibition.
Pro tip: With the CityCard Gent, a visitor has a free access to top attractions and museums in Ghent.
How to get around in Ghent
The transportation company De Lijn operates city’s public transportation with buses, water trams and trams. A free map with the service in Ghent can be asked for at the so-called Lijnwinkels (the shops of transport company ‘De Lijn’), located at the main bus terminals: near Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station, near Korenmarkt and at Gent-Zuid (Ghent South). This map is also available at the Inquiry Desk Visit Gent. One should buy a ticket in advance at the ‘Lijnwinkels’ or from the vending machine at the bus stop. See timetables and the jouney planner of De Lijn here.
How to get in Ghent
Nearest airport is the Brussels Zaventem Airport, being located 11 km northeast of Brussels. List of its destinations is here. Belgian Rail operates trains from the airport to Ghent.
There are two main train stations in Ghent: Gent-Dampoort and Gent-Sint-Pieters. Gent-Sint-Pieters is served by all trains passing Ghent, while Gent-Dampoort only serves the line towards/from Antwerp. Belgian Rail offers train rides from main Belgian cities to Ghent. Fastest trains in Belgium are the IC ones.
Eurobus offers bus routes to Ghent from e.g. Paris, Amsterdam and London.
Highways E40 from Brussel and E17 from Antwerp cross at Ghent.
Top 5 in Ghent
- Bavo’s Cathedral
- The Gentse Feesten festival
- Gravensteen Castle
- Pubbing in St. Veerleplein Square
- Canal cruise
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: With the CC licence / Michael Schmalenstroer, Moody75, JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD, Michal Osmenda, Barbirossa, Paul Hermans[/fusion_text]
