Ghent

Ghent 

It can be no coincidence that Ghent, the capital of East Flanders, was given several pretty names: historic heart of Flanders, a city of all times, one of the most beautiful historic cities in Europe.

The city combines an impressive past with a vivid present. Numerous tourists visit Ghent of which the citizens carry the nickname "stroppendragers" or noose-bearers and use the extensive accommodation possibilities. The historic heart of the city offers a lot of places of interest. From St Michael's bridge there is a wonderful view on the skyline of Ghent with the three impressive towers of St Nicholas' Church, the Belfry with its bell tower and St Bavo's cathedral with the world famous painting "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by Jan van Eyck.

Traces of the Middle Ages were preserved at a lot of places. The old port with its guild halls on the Graslei and Korenlei is merely one example of the beautiful views this town has to offer.

Not far from the Graslei arises the Castle of the Counts, once the medieval fortress of the Count of Flanders. Nowadays it is a major tourist attraction.

Ghent also has several museums, abbeys, beguinages, dozens of churches and historical buildings.

Not only art lovers but everyone can find something here to suit his taste. Ghent offers a lot of shops, restaurants and an exciting nightlife.

Ghent can be discovered by boat, carriage, bicycle or on foot.

The official language in Ghent is Dutch, but most people also speak French, English and/or German.

Ghent is an ideal city to go shopping, with a wide variety of shops and several pedestrian shopping streets.

Regular shop hours are 10.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m. Shops are closed on Sundays and official holidays.

There are several markets such as the flower market, the fruit and vegetable market, the art market, flea market, bird market and a market for new goods. There are also various nightshops.

A walk through the illuminated inner-city
"Ghent by night" is certainly worth its while !
Indeed many historic buildings and monuments are illuminated each night from sunset to midnight; except for the Three Towers (Saint Nicolas' Church, the Belfry and Saint Bavo's Cathedral) which are illuminated until sunrise.

As the Ghent monuments are among the best illuminated in Europe, a nocturnal walk through the heart of the city is certainly strongly advised.