Ghent (Belgium)

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Ghent is the fourth largest city of Belgium with about 250.000 inhabitants. It is not as big as Antwerp but bigger than Bruges. Ghent is 36 mls NW of Brussels and its airport, 42 mls E of Ostend and ferry port situated in the flatlands, dotted with a few small hills. It is built around 3 rivers serving as important transport arteries, and cut through by several canals.

For many people Ghent is the real diamond of Flanders and Belgium. In a unique way, Ghent has managed to preserve its medieval power while keeping up with the times. The city centre alone is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success. Modern Ghent certainly cannot be overlooked in Belgium. The city has an important harbor, thanks to the canal Ghent-Terneuzen which allows sea-going vessels to bring their products to the city and its industrial hinterland. Because of the central location in the country, the 'Flanders Technology' fair can regularly be organized. The Belgian State University (RUG = Rijksuniversiteit Gent) continues to grow in importance. The presence of so many young people and students has turned Ghent into an important Flemish cultural center.

Ghent is also the flower city of Belgium. Flower growers from the region around Ghent sell their beautiful begonia's and azalea's all over the world. Every 5 years the successful 'Gentse Floraliën" ( Ghent Flower Show) attracts thousands to the city.The tourist will not have eyes enough to admire the awesome architectural wealth , which offers a splendid combination of impressiveness and idyllic charm of the proud and (in former times) often rebellious city of Ghent.

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Ghent may well be the most beautiful city in Belgium and the SAINT BAVO may be the most awesome cathedral in the country. It was named after Saint Bavo, a 7th century local nobleman who became a saint after he had given away his possessions to the poor and entered the monastery. The cathedral with its mighty uprising tower is perhaps the most visible sign of the pride of the citizens of Ghent.

A walking trip through the city will make clear that this city was a powerful center of trade and commerce. The citizens of the medieval city certainly did their best to turn Ghent into a rich showcase of beautiful civil gothic buildings. The buildings and monuments listed on the left side of the page can all be seen and visited during a walking tour through the historic center.

The GRAVENSTEEN is the Dutch name for the 'castle of the count' . The counts of Flanders had castles built in the principal cities of the county. Because they had to maintain law and order, they continuously had to move from one city to the other. Therefore, they disposed of a castle in most cities where they wanted to stay for a few months. The castle of Ghent is the only one which survived the centuries more or less intact.

Right in the heart of Ghent stands the Saint Nicholas church, one of the oldest churches of the city . An older version stood here until the 12th century until it burned down in 1120 and 1176. Because of their growing wealth the citizens of Ghent were able to construct a new and much bigger church. The present-day version was finished between 1220 and 1250.

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Population: 10.364.400
Languages: Dutch (Flemish) 60%, French 40%, German less than
Currency: euro
Currency code: EUR
Local Times:
Belgium - Brussels

Country Dialling Code: +32
Voltage: 230V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

2 parallel circular prongs with a female earth connector

Nestled between France, Germany and Holland/Netherlands, Belgium is one of the smallest countries on the continent. But its size is no hindrance to its variety. From the wilds of the Ardennes to the mediaeval splendours of Bruges, from the high-octane nightlife of Antwerp to the restaurants of Brussels, there is something for everyone to savour.

It may be little, but it is lovely, and it is sad indeed that Belgium is often overlooked when travellers plan a tour of Europe. Tucked between the desirable and obvious destinations of London, Paris and Amsterdam, Belgium is usually used merely as a stepping stone for crossing the English Channel, or, at most, a quick stop-over for a looksee in the capital, Brussels.

Beyond that city with its historic Gothic buildings and tall European Union office blocks is a treasure-trove of undiscovered lazy seaside towns, and inland the wooded gorges of the splendid Ardennes, sprinkled with medieval castles and steeped in folklore. The medieval city of Bruges has character and charm galore with a rich architectural heritage, graceful canals and waterways and cobbled streets, and is a favourite with visitors. Belgium is a country that has inspired artists and writers with its Gothic cathedrals, town halls, gabled guildhouses and rich museums.

After a busy day exploring it all, spend an evening experiencing Belgium's fantastic cuisine and sampling some of the country's 300-odd brews of beer. Belgians have a reputation for being extremely hospitable; welcoming travellers, no doubt because the country's location has ensured it has always been an international crossroads for commerce and culture. Despite this Belgium and its distinct regions of Flemish Flanders (north) and French Wallonia (south) has proudly preserved its traditions and identity.