The Medieval city of Ghent in Belgium

The Medieval city of Ghent in Belgium

Ghent



With nearly 1400 years of history, Belgium’s town of Ghent has a lot to offer in terms of tourism.

Nowhere else you’ll find so much history per square meter in Europe like here.

Ghent indeed was a really important centre between year 1000 and year 1500 – it was even bigger than London and up to 1302 ruled by city families who were very successful in trading.

Its history was full of upsides and downsides, but despite it all, in the 19th century it became Europe’s first large industrial centre.

In 1913 it was a host of the World Exhibition.



Attractions in Ghent!

Probably the most famous landmark of this amazing city is St. Bavo’s Cathedral, where Charles V was baptized in the year 1500.

It has some really impressive art pieces, including famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Hubert and Jan van Eyck.



The Castle of the Counts

Except this cathedral, Ghent is well known for beautiful castles and fortresses, and Gravensteen – is surely among the most beautiful one in the city and the whole country, as well.

It is the castle of the Counts, with a very interesting history. The place was fortified by Arnulf I making a medieval bastion made of a central wooden building accompanied with other buildings, also made of wood.

In 11th century, wooden parts were replaced with stone. During the centuries, from a centre of a whole region, the Gravensteen lost its function of administrative center of the region.

In 1865 Belgium and the city of Gent started buying the buildings and in 1893 restorations began. The architect was Jozef De Waele and in 1907 Gravensteen once again showed itself to public.



The STAM

This is the city that is perfectly combining styles from different periods of history, and the best example is the STAM – city museum of Gent – settled in the abbey from the 14th century, with monastery from the 17th century and the 21st century contemporary look.

It is a home of pieces that are giving an insight in city’s past, present and future. Interesting detail are LEGO towers.



Discover the city by boat

The best way to explore the city that is full of waterways is always by boat.

Ghent offer: De bootjes van Gent (a window to a thousand years of architecture), Gent Watertoerist (an historic round trip), Rederij De Gentenaer (inland waterways) and a “boat in Ghent” where your guide is your captain with different thematic offers of their tours.

Last one added is natural tour where you’ll find out everything about the flora and fauna of the city. There are also tours that include picnics!



A very special bridge

When we are talking about canals in here, we’ll mention bridges, but not all of them – one in particular – St Michael’s Bridge, with an amazing view of the city.

If you are wondering where to stay when you are coming to this town, our suggestion is to find a hotel anywhere close to the Patershol – the medieval center of the city.

An exhibition space – the Friary of the Calced Carmelites from early 1300s is a famous landmark of the Patershol, and this area is today among most desirable parts of the city to live in.

It’s full of restaurants and a true paradise for tourists.

Gent is a perfect choice for those who enjoy stunning looking architectural cities in Europe.

It is a place for relaxation and a place where you’ll discover hidden alleys or green spots all across the city.

Gent is astonishing, beautiful and exciting!



Getting to Gent

By air and by train – after landing in Brussels, take a train to Gent St-Pieters station.

Except Brussels’ airport, you can also land in other nearby airports such the ones in Antwerp, Ostend or Liege.

If you would like to come by car, there are two big highways: E17 (that goes from Lisbon through Paris, Ghent to Copenhagen and Stockholm) and E40 (that connects Calais, Gent with Brussels, Frankfurt, Vienna and Budapest).

Things to do in Ghent

Festivals and more from Belgum and Netherlands
Christmas markets in Germany - Gendarmenmarkt Berlin

Some of the most famous Christmas Markets in Germany 2023

Going to the Christmas Market is a great tradition in Germany. Here are some tips for great Christmas Markets in Germany.
September 27, 2023/by Roger
christmas markets berlin

Some of the most famous Christmas Markets in Berlin

Feel the Christmas spirit at some Christmas Markets in Berlin. Information and tips about the most Popular and Exciting Christmas Markets.
September 27, 2023/by Roger
Renaissance du Roi de l'Oiseau

Renaissance Festival Roi de l’Oiseau, France 13-17 Sept. 2023

Four days in September, the town Puy-en-Velay dress up in Renaissance style with battles, archery displays, music and medieval markets
September 10, 2023/by Roger
Mallorca live festival

Mallorca Live Festival, 13 – 15 May 2024

This rock, pop and electronic music festival is going on every year in Mallorca to welcome the start of the summer season.
August 31, 2023/by Roger
Carnival Las Palmas, Spain

Carnival Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 26 Jan. – 18 Feb. 2024

Las Palmas Carnival is an annual event to rival Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. Flamboyant costumes, dancing, music - it's one giant party.
August 31, 2023/by Roger
Carnival in Cadiz

Carnival in Cadiz, Spain. 8 – 18 February 2024

Cadiz, the big city on Andalucia´s Atlantic coast, can proudly claim to have the oldest carnival celebrations in mainland Spain.
August 31, 2023/by Roger
Fira del Vi - Wine festival in Falset, Spain

La Fira del Vi – Wine Festival in Falset, Spain, 3 – 5 May 2024

Fira del Vi is a weekend of wine tastings, fabulous food and great music. In the charming town of Falset, Spain, in May.
August 30, 2023/by Roger
Stuttgart Spring festival fruhlingsfest

Stuttgart Springfest “Fruhlingsfest” Germany, 20 April-12 May 2024

Stuttgart Springfest is held over three weeks in spring; it's one of the biggest spring festivals in Europe.
August 30, 2023/by Roger

Tollwood Winterfestival, Munich, 23 Nov. – 31 Dec. 2023

Tollwood Winterfestival Munich with concerts, exhibitions, lectures, performances, and markets. It ends with a big Silvester party on NYE.
August 30, 2023/by Roger
LONDON COFFEE festival

London Coffee Festival, 11 – 14 April 2024

Around 250 coffee and gourmet stalls at the London Coffee Festival. Demonstrations, tastings, coffee cocktails, live music and more.
August 30, 2023/by Roger

Vegfest UK at Olympia Grand, London, 18 – 19 November 2023

The Vegfest UK, a major vegetarian event, is taking place in London this November. Attendees can learn about vegetarian food and more.
August 30, 2023/by Roger
new years evening, silvester in Berlin

New Years Eve Celebration – Silvester in Berlin

New Year celebration in Berlin. The highlight is the big show and concert with famous artists at the Brandenburg Gate on New Years Evening
August 28, 2023/by Roger
Load more

Upcoming Festivals in the Netherlands

error: Content is protected !!