Travel Guide to Gent, Belgium

Ghent is the capital of the East Flanders province (Belgium). Its population is 235.000 people. Ghent is surrounded by flower fields, so it got the name 'city of flowers'. The city has great history, what can be noticed by the center of the city, where you can find a lot of interesting historical sights. We would like to tell you about the most famous of them.

The best way to get to know more about the city is going by boat along its channels. During the excursion you'll cross the historical center and then pass by the old houses. All the boats depart from center, to more exact from the Graslei, Cornelei and Graanlei harbors. There is an opportunity to choose different directions. The shortest excursion along the Gent channels lasts 40 minutes, the longest one – an hour and a half.

The Graslei Harbor. It's one of the most amazing harbors in Ghent, located in the old medieval port. Along it the marvelous guild houses of the 16th and 17th century are situated. Nowadays the Graslei is a very popular place for meetings. In good weather everyone tends to be closer to water, people sit on the open-air café terraces and just right on the bank of the channel and enjoy beauty of the nature. From the other side of the Graslei takes place the not less attractive Cornelei channel.

City Museum for Contemporary takes place in the beautiful up-to-date house. There are kept the paintings created in 1945 and later: minimalism, pop-art and cobra. In the museum one can look at the works of such well-known masters, as Josef Base or David Hammons. City Museum for Contemporary is located in front of the Museum of Fine Arts in the Citadel Park.

The Fridahmarkt. The Fridahmarkt is a big square in the center of the city. It was the place were happened a lot of important historical and social events. There the ruler had their speeches and a lot of official ceremonies were carried out. The square was the witness of blood factions between the guilds. Around the Fridahmarkt the fascinating houses are situated. In the center of the square you can find the monument of Jacob Artefelde (1290-1345), who is a significant person for Ghent.

The Gravensten Castle. The Gravensten Castle takes place right in the center of the city. The defensive system of the castle was saved and has its primeval look. You should also devote your attention to the gates, the castle wall and the stable. In the Gravensten Castle, the history of which is at least 800 years, the decisions of the country importance were made. In the castle you can visit the Museum of Torture with its exhibition of torture instruments. The Gravensten Castle is one of the main attractions in Ghent.

'The meat house' is nowadays the center for the promotion of East-Flemish products. It's the place, where one can buy meat products and delicatessen. 'The meat house' is located at Gruntermarkt in the old building of the 15th century near the water. AT night this restored building is beautifully lit.

The Saint-Nicolas Church. The Saint-Nicolas Church of the 13th century was built in the early gothic style. Usually great attention is paid on its lantern tower, due to which inside you can enjoy a special light. Since 1960 the church has been restored, nevertheless some religious celebrations take place there. The church is also opened for visitors. Together with the Saint Bavo Cathedral and the Belfry it creates the well-known tower line.

The Belfry is the middle tower in the Gent tower line. It was mainly built in the 14th century. Since 1999 the Belfry was added in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

The Saint Bavo Cathedral belongs to the Gent episcopacy. The longstanding cathedral has a mix of different architectural styles starting with the Roman and gothic styles and ending with baroque. In this cathedral the masterpiece by Jan van Eyck 'Adoration of the Lamb' is kept. This oil painting is greatest work in Flemish art of the 15th century.

In the Design Museum one can look at both antique and modern furniture. The museum is located in the old building of the 18th century with a present-day annex. The most part of the collection contains furniture of the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum also has a wonderful exposition in the art-novo style, showing the works of modern designers.

Museum of Fine Arts. Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent is one of the oldest Belgian museums, which was created in the end of the 13th century by the French for placing the works of art from the ruined churches. In the museum you can find a great collection of paintings and sculptures staring with the Middle Ages and ending with the 1st half of the 20th century. Mainly they keep the works by artists from the south of the Netherlands and Flanders, such as Hieronymus Bosch, Anthony van Dyck, Jacob Jordens or Frans Hals. The museum is situated not far from the Citadel Park in the building that doesn't look like a classical temple of art. It was closed for restoration for 4 years. In 2007 the grand opening happened. During the restoration the building was renewed inside as well as outside, some new premises, such as café, patio and library, were created.

Read more about Gent:
Restaurants and cuisine in Gent
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Gent
Nightlife and attractions in Gent
Preparing for Gent: Advices
Gent photogallery