Sightseeing in Gent - what to see. Complete travel guide

The city of Ghent is located in Belgium, and it is the capital of the East Flounder province. The population of the city is approximately 235,000 residents. Ghent is surrounded by flower fields, thanks to which the city has received the epithet "the city of flowers". This city is distinguished by rich cultural past. This can by clearly seen in the central part of Ghent, where tourists will find a number of interesting historical sights. The most important places of interest are described below.

Visitors are recommended to start exploring the city with a boat ride on its canals! During such an excursion you will cross the historic center of the city and pass numerous beautiful and old houses. All the boats start their ride from the center, namely from Graslin, Korenlei, and Graanlei quays. It is also possible to choose different directions of excursions. The shortest excursion in Ghent canals lasts 40 minutes, and the longest one will take half an hour.

Graslin.
This is one of the most beautiful waterfronts in Ghent, located in the old medieval port. Along the waterfront tourists will see beautiful homes of guilds of the XVI and XVII centuries. Graslin today is above all a place of meetings. When the weather is good, everyone wants to be closer to water. People sit in cafes with open terraces or find a free place directly on the coast and sit there, enjoying the wine they brought with them. Korenlei is located on the other side of the canal , it is not less beautiful than Graslin. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The City Museum of Contemporary Art S.M.A.K. is located in a beautiful modern building. It exhibits works of art of different directions from 1945 to the present day - cobra, pop art and minimalism. In the museum you will see works of such famous artists as Joseph Bays and David Hammons. S.M.A.K. is located opposite to the Museum of Fine Arts in Citadelpark, near the city’s circle.

Friday Market.
This is a large area in the center of the city. Once, the market was the center of not only political, but also social life of the city. This was the place where rulers talked to ordinary people and various official ceremonies took place. The square often became the witness of the bloody fights between guilds. Around the square you will see beautiful houses of guilds. The center of the square is the location of a monument dedicated to Artefelde Jacob (1290-1345), which is an important historical figure in Ghent.

Gravensteen.
This is a medieval castle, located right in the center of the city. The defensive system of the castle has fully retained its original appearance. The castle’s gate, walls and stables also deserve attention of curious travellers. Gravensteen , the history of which is more than 800 years, was place from which the rulers commanded Flanders. The castle is the location of the Museum of Torture that exhibits various tools used for torturing. Gravensteen Castle is one of the main attractions of Ghent.

Meat House these days is a center, the main aim of which is promotion of East Flemish products. This is the place where visitors can buy local food and delicacies. "Meat House" is located in Gruntenmarkt in an old, completely renovated building near water. The house was built between 1407 and 1419 years, and its total square is only 900 square meters. At night, the building is lit nicely.

Church of St. Nicholas
was built in the XIII century in the early Gothic style. The Lantern tower of the building is a place of a particular interest. Thanks to it, the church is lit by a special, absolutely unique light. The church is in the process of restoration since 1960, but, despite this fact, solemn messes and other prayers take place inside its walls. The church is also open for visitors. The Cathedral of Saint Bavo, Belford Bell Tower, and the church of St. Nicholas form the famous Ghent row of towers.

Belfort Bell Tower is the central tower in the row of famous towers of Ghent. Most of the bell tower was built in the XIV century. Since 1999, UNESCO has added Belfort to the list of places of the world heritage.

Saint Bavo Cathedral belongs to the Bishopric of Ghent. The ancient cathedral is the result of mixing various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. The cathedral is the location of a masterpiece by Jan van Eyck "Adoration of the Lamb". This oil painting is considered the top of the Flemish art of the XV century.

The Museum of Design exhibits both antique and modern furniture. The museum is located in a historic building of the XVIII century with a modern adjustment. The majority of the museum’s collection is represented by furniture of the XVII and XVIII centuries. The museum also has a good exhibition of the art nouveau items and works of modern designers.

The Museum of Fine Arts.
The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent is one of the oldest museums in Belgium. It was founded in the late XVIII century by the French in order to accommodate the works of art from destroyed churches. The museum houses a rich collection of paintings and sculptures starting from the Middle Ages and to the first half of the XX century. Above all, the museum exhibits the works by artists from the Southern Netherlands and Flanders. In this museum visitors will be able to see paintings by Jeroen Bosch, Maarten van Heemskerk, Anton van Dyck, Jacob Yordaens, Frans Hals and Gustav van de Woestyne. The museum is located near Citadelpark in a building that is nothing like a classical temple of art. For four years the museum was closed to visitors because of extensive restoration works. In 2007, the grand opening took place. During the restoration the building was restored inside and out, and new facilities, such as a cafe-restaurant, a patio and a library, were added to it.