Ghent
During the Middle Ages, it was one of the richest and most powerful cities in Europe.
A walk through town on a summer's evening, when most of the important buildings are illuminated, is an unforgettable experience.
Ghent
Places of interest
St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece
The home of the Ghent Altarpiece is receiving a brand-new visitors’ centre where the restored panels of the altarpiece and various other authentic art treasures can be admired in all their glory.
The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, from the hands of the Van Eyck brothers is considered the first Renaissance masterpiece.
It has been stolen numerous times since its creation in 1432.
One piece, stolen in 1934, is still missing and theories about its whereabouts continue to fly.
Gravensteen
Gravensteen, built between 1180 and 1200, is one of the strongest moated fortresses in Western Europe.
Today, it remains a unique example of the European medieval art of fortification, right in the heart of the city.
Old Market
The Old Market started as a fish market and became a vegetable market through the centuries.
On the west side of the market area is the long Groot Vleeshuis, a medieval covered meat market.
Graslei
Some of Belgium's finest guild houses are along the Graslei Canal.
This is an excellent place for a stroll for anyone with more than a passing interest in architecture.
City Hall
Even in Ghent, a city with many beautiful buildings, this building stands out.
The city hall took almost a century to build before it was finally completed in 1600.
The architecture is flamboyant and Gothic.
Patershol
Patershol is where things can get confusing for non-locals due to the quarter’s medieval street pattern.
Strolling past lovely 16th-century houses, small restaurants and artist ateliers, you might embrace your lack of direction.
Museums
STAM
explores Ghent’s history and pre-history by rewinding 70,000 years into the past.
MIAT
Whilst travelling through 250 years worth of industry, you will see and learn about plenty of machinery, which is even still operated on certain days of the week.
Huis van Alijn
was formerly a children’s hospice. It is a great museum detailing what life was like in the city between the end of the 18th century to the early 20th century.
MSK
the Museum of Fine Art is housed in what looks much like an Ancient Greek temple.
Design Museum: the only one of its kind in Flanders, the museum specializes in twentieth-century and contemporary design.
St Peter’s Abbey
concealed behind its imposing walls is a surprisingly large garden with a vineyard, herb garden, fruit trees and ruins.
Gastronomy - Flemish Foodies
A few years ago, the Belgian cooking world was suddenly abuzz with talk of the “Flemish Foodies”.
Some talented young chefs had stood up with a new philosophy about what fine dining was supposed to be.
Out with the stuffy white tablecloths and in with the casual interiors and the ethically sourced ingredients.
They picked Ghent for their headquarters.
Gastronomy
A Ghent ‘waterzooi’, a tasty stew of tender chicken, potatoes and leaks, at a rustic tavern, paired with a local beer.
Leie Region
Discover the most beautiful corners of the Leie Region between Ghent and Deinze, in a landscape that has inspired countless artists.
View their works in museums along the route.
Visit beautiful Ooidonk castle and picturesque villages such as Deurle and Sint-Martens-Latem.
Oudenaarde
Admire the City Hall with the cloth hall and the Huis De Lalaing with the tapestries of Oudenaarde.
If you are a fan of cycle racing, the unique museum in the Tour of Flanders Centre is definitely worth a visit.
Two other famous art cities in Flanders.
They may call themselves the oldest university in the Low Countries.