Information
City: GhentCountry: Belgium
Continent: Europe
Ghent, Belgium, Europe
Overview
Ghent bursts with history and energy, set in Flanders-the Dutch-speaking heart of Belgium-where stone towers cast long shadows over the river.Ghent, with its cobbled lanes, winding canals, and striking medieval facades, stands out as one of Belgium’s most vibrant and beautiful cities.With its bustling student crowd, the place hums with youthful energy yet carries the weight of centuries-old history, a lively mix of past and present.History – Early Beginnings: Ghent’s story reaches back to the Middle Ages, with traces of life here as early as the 6th century, when smoke from small hearth fires curled into the cold morning air.Perched where the Scheldt meets the Leie, Ghent thrived as a bustling crossroads for merchants and goods.By the 12th century, its streets hummed with the clatter of looms, the city standing among Europe’s largest and most influential, famed for its booming wool trade.In the 14th century, the city ranked among the richest on earth, drawing merchants and traders eager to fill its bustling markets with silk, spice, and gold.It rose to prominence as a leading member of the Hanseatic League, its streets alive with music and markets.By the late 15th century, though, Ghent’s fortunes waned under the weight of internal feuds, the growing pull of Brussels, and a faltering textile trade.The city sprang back to life in the 19th century during Belgium’s industrial revolution, then surged again in the 20th with modern industries and a burst of cultural growth.Ghent’s cobbled streets wind past medieval towers and graceful Renaissance facades, their reflections shimmering in the canal water.The city holds some of Belgium’s most treasured historic landmarks, from towering cathedrals to centuries-old stone squares.Gravensteen Castle, a striking stone fortress from the 12th century, once echoed with the footsteps of the Counts of Flanders who called it home.In Belgium, the castle ranks among the best-preserved, inviting visitors to step into Ghent’s feudal past through displays of chainmail, swords, and the city’s storied history.Just across town, St. Bavo’s Cathedral rises in soaring Gothic lines, standing as one of Ghent’s most treasured religious landmarks.Inside the cathedral, you’ll find the world‑famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, the luminous altarpiece painted by the Van Eyck brothers.Painted in 1432, the altarpiece stands among the most important achievements in Western art.The Belfry of Ghent, a stone tower from the 13th century, still rises over the city and holds its place as a UNESCO World Heritage site.Rising 91 meters into the sky, the belfry lets you take in sweeping views of the city, from its narrow cobbled streets to the distant rooftops.Long ago, it served as a watchtower, its high windows scanning the horizon, and stood as a proud emblem of the city’s independence.Visitors can stop by to see the Klokke Roeland, a famous bell whose deep chime still echoes through the square.In the heart of Ghent, Korenmarkt buzzes with life, ringed by ornate façades, cozy cafés, and shop windows bright with color.In the square stands St. Nicholas’ Church, a Romanesque-Gothic gem from the 13th century with weathered stone that glows warm in the late afternoon sun.From Saint Michael’s Bridge, you can take in sweeping views of the Leie River and the ornate facades along its banks, including Saint Michael’s Church and the lively Korenmarkt.Ghent also boasts remarkable museums, with the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) among the most celebrated.The museum displays everything from medieval icons to bold modern canvases, with works by James Ensor, Van Eyck, Rubens, and Goya.Just a short walk away, Patershol’s narrow cobblestone lanes wind past weathered brick houses and cozy restaurants that spill warm light onto the street.This historic district tells the story of Ghent’s past and invites you to wander at an easy pace, as if stepping back in time.Like in Venice or Bruges, quiet canals curve through the city, offering glimpses of stone bridges, gabled roofs, and centuries-old landmarks.The Leie River winds through the city’s center, its banks shaded by medieval buildings and crossed by graceful stone bridges.The Graslei and Korenlei, with their gilded guild houses lining the river, rank among Ghent’s prettiest streets, and drifting past them on a canal boat is one of the loveliest ways to take in the city’s charm.From a canal cruise, you can drift past centuries-old facades reflected in the rippling water and hear stories that bring Ghent’s past to life.The city hums with culture-museums, theaters, and music halls abound-and its lively festivals spill into the streets with color and sound.Gentse Feesten: Every July, the streets of Ghent overflow with music, dancing, and crowds for the Gentse Feesten, one of Belgium’s biggest cultural festivals.For ten lively days, the city bursts with music, theater, dance, and street shows, drawing more than 100,000 visitors.Ghent also hosts the Ghent International Film Festival, a major highlight in Belgium’s cinema scene.It features international films, with a strong spotlight on documentaries.In Ghent, music thrives-from the warm swell of a string quartet to the pulse of an indie band under soft stage lights.Opera houses and music halls welcome performers from down the street and from across the ocean.The city buzzes with a vibrant art scene, from tucked-away studios to bright galleries showing contemporary Belgian and international work.At its heart stands the Museum of Contemporary Art (S. M. A. K.), one of the region’s top spots for cutting-edge exhibitions.It showcases pieces by Belgian and international artists, with fresh exhibitions rotating through the galleries.In Ghent, you can taste its history in every bite, from rich stews to delicate Flemish pastries.Ghent Waterzooi is a classic Flemish stew, rich and creamy, made with tender chicken or fresh fish, vegetables, and a generous splash of cream.It’s a favorite across the region.And like the rest of Belgium, Ghent serves up a wide range of Belgian beers-from crisp blondes to rich, dark ales brewed just down the street.Plenty of bars and cafés pour local Trappist, Lambic, and pale ales, while Ghent-like much of Belgium-takes pride in its crisp, golden frites, often paired with a dollop of creamy mayonnaise or other sauces.Belgian waffles come in many forms, from the light, crisp Brussels style to the rich, caramel-scented Liège version.Just a short walk from the city center, Citadelpark stretches wide and green, with shady paths leading to the Museum of Fine Arts.It’s the perfect spot to stretch out on the grass with a picnic or take a slow stroll under tall trees.Stadspark offers another lush escape in Ghent, ideal for a jog, a walk, or simply soaking up the fresh air.The city has also earned a reputation for its strong commitment to sustainability.Ghent promotes vegetarianism through efforts like Veggie Friday, when cafés swap out meat for hearty vegetable stews to help cut the city’s environmental footprint.Like many European hubs, it’s poured resources into cycling lanes and bike-friendly streets, making it a top spot for riders in Belgium.Trains, buses, and trams link Ghent smoothly with the rest of the country and beyond.Ghent Railway Station bustles with travelers, serving as the city’s main gateway for trains, trams, and buses.
Landmarks in Ghent
