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Ghent Belgium

Spiritual bulwark of Flanders, second Belgian port and major industrial centre, Ghent is also a university city with a vibrant atmosphere. Built at the confluence of the Leie and the Scheldt, the city is crisscrossed by numerous canals and waterways. The hometown of Charles V, Ghent is rich in history and monuments, and its old neighbourhoods and docks are full of charm. By night, the city’s lighting turns a simple evening stroll into something extraordinary. Gravensteen, meaning “Castle of the Counts” in Flemish, is an impressive fortress. Built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders, Gravensteen Castle is a must for anyone interested in history. With walls two metres thick, it also houses a torture museum, displaying various methods once used there. The castle stands on the eastern bank of the River Leie, right in the heart of Ghent’s historic centre. The city’s impressive Gothic cathedral is one of its main landmarks. Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is a magnificent building with so much to see inside that it feels more like visiting a museum. The soaring tower in front is one of three that dominate the city centre, the others belonging to the Belfry and St Nicholas’ Church. Inside, the cathedral houses the famous altarpiece The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. The Belfry Tower was erected in 1380 as a symbol of Ghent’s self-government and independence. It later served as both treasury and watchtower. One of the three iconic towers on the historic skyline, this Brabant Gothic structure rises 91 metres and can be climbed for sweeping city views. The third tower belongs to St Nicholas’ Church. Built in the 13th century, it is the finest example of Scheldt Gothic in Belgium. One of the oldest churches in Ghent, it stands in the very heart of the city. Classically beautiful and compact, Ghent is an authentic city where past and present coexist in perfect balance.

Recommended airport

Brussels Natl (BRU)

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Nearby destinations

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent Belgium