Ghent: A Hidden Gem of Flanders

Where is Ghent and How to Get There

Ghent is located in the East Flanders region in northern Belgium, at the confluence of the Lys and Scheldt rivers. It is an important port and university city. Ghent is easily accessible by train from Brussels (30 minutes), Bruges (25 minutes), or Antwerp (50 minutes). You can also fly into Brussels-Zaventem or Charleroi international airports and then continue by train or bus to Ghent. If you travel by car, you can park at one of the P+R car parks on the outskirts of the city and then use public transport or rent a bike.

History of Ghent

Ghent has a long and rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was founded in the 7th century as the Abbey of Saint Bavo on the banks of the Lys River. Its name comes from the Celtic word “ganda,” meaning confluence. In the 10th century, it began to grow as a commercial and industrial center. By the 13th century, Ghent was one of the largest and most powerful cities in Europe, with more than 60,000 inhabitants. It was known for its cloth production, especially wool and cotton. During this time, many magnificent buildings were constructed, such as churches, town halls, belfries, and the Gravensteen castle.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Ghent was involved in several uprisings against French and Burgundian rulers who tried to limit its autonomy and privileges. During this period, two famous natives were born: John of Ghent (1340), the fourth son of English King Edward III, and Charles V (1500), the future Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1453, the Ghent uprising was finally suppressed by the Burgundian Duke Philip the Good at the Battle of Gavere.

In the 16th century, Ghent was under Spanish Habsburg rule and experienced a period of decline and repression due to religious conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. In 1576, Ghent, along with other Dutch provinces, signed the Pacification of Ghent, which was an attempt to unite against Spanish domination. In 1584, Ghent was captured by Spanish forces and lost its independence.

In the 17th century, it became part of the Austrian Netherlands and began to develop again as a cultural and economic center. In 1715, Ghent was annexed to Austria according to the Treaty of Utrecht. In 1794, Ghent was occupied by French revolutionary forces and became part of France. In 1815, Ghent was annexed to the Netherlands according to the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war between the United States and Great Britain.

In the 19th century, Ghent experienced the industrial revolution and became one of the first cities in Belgium to have railways, gas lighting, and sewage systems. In 1830, it became part of independent Belgium after the Belgian Revolution. In 1913, Ghent hosted the World’s Fair, showcasing its progress and prosperity.

During both World Wars, the city was occupied by Germans, and parts of it were bombed in September 1944. In the interwar period, Ghent became a center of the textile industry and the labor movement. In 1925, Ghent University was founded as the first Dutch-speaking university in Belgium.

After World War II, Ghent developed as a modern city with a diverse economy and culture. In 1958, the Port of Ghent was opened, now the largest “inland” port in Europe. In 1983, the historic city center was declared a pedestrian zone.

At the end of the 20th century, Ghent became one of the most important cultural and tourist centers in Belgium. In 1999, Ghent was named European Capital of Culture. In 2000, the Ghent Festival was established, the largest cultural festival in Europe.

Modern Ghent

Today, Ghent is a modern and dynamic city that retains its historical charm and identity. It is a cultural and educational metropolis, hosting more than 70,000 students and many international festivals and events. It is also a city with a developed economy, focusing on services, research and development, biotechnology, and logistics. Ghent is also a city with rich cuisine, reflecting its multicultural character and love of good food. You can taste traditional Flemish specialties such as waffles, pancakes, chocolate, beer, or traditional stewed beef with onions and beer, or explore exotic flavors from around the world.

Ghent Landmarks

Ghent is a city rich in historical and cultural landmarks worth visiting. Here are a few of the most significant:

Gravensteen Castle: A medieval castle from the 12th century that was the residence of the Counts of Flanders. The castle is open to the public and offers an exhibition on the history and life in the castle, a torture chamber, and a view of the city from the tower.
Saint Bavo's Cathedral: A Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral rising 89 meters high and the most important sacred building in Ghent. The church was consecrated as early as 942 and completed in the 14th and 16th centuries. The interior of the cathedral is adorned with massive columns and beautiful stained glass windows, and above all, the famous Ghent Altarpiece.
Ghent Belfry: A 14th-century belfry that is a symbol of municipal freedom and pride. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stands 91 meters high. At the top of the belfry is a golden dragon, the city's protector. The belfry has 54 bells that chime every quarter-hour.
Saint Nicholas' Church: A Romanesque-Gothic church from the 13th century, one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Ghent. The church has an impressive facade with five towers, a richly decorated interior with organs, altars, and paintings, and an interesting crypt with an archaeological exhibition.
Graslei and Korenlei: Two opposite quays of the Leie canal considered the most picturesque place in Ghent. On both sides of the canal are a number of historic houses that served as warehouses, customs offices, trading houses, or inns. Today, the houses are converted into restaurants, cafes, hotels, or museums.

Notable Festivals and Celebrations

Ghent is a city full of life and joy, reflected in its diverse and colorful festivals and celebrations. Some of the most famous include:

Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten): One of the largest cultural festivals in Europe, held annually in July. For ten days, the city turns into a huge stage for music, theater, dance, comedy, art, and other forms of entertainment. The festival attracts more than a million visitors each year.
Saint Bavo’s Day (Sint-Baafsdag): A traditional celebration of the city's patron saint, held on September 24th. The celebration begins with a procession carrying the relics of Saint Bavo from the cathedral to Vrijdagmarkt square, where various activities and attractions are held for children and adults.
Light Festival (Lichtfestival): An international festival of artistic installations and projections using light, held every two years at the end of January or the beginning of February. The festival illuminates the city's historic and modern landmarks and offers a fascinating walk through the center of Ghent.
Floraliën (Floralies): A prestigious flower festival held every five years in April or May. The festival showcases the latest trends and innovations in floristry and horticulture and exhibits more than 500,000 plants in various locations throughout the city.

Looking for a Good Restaurant?

Ghent is a paradise for food lovers who can choose from a wide range of restaurants offering local and international cuisines. Some of the best restaurants with local dishes include:

Du Progres: A traditional restaurant on Korenmarkt square offering classic Flemish dishes such as stewed beef, carbonades, or chicken breasts with mustard sauce. The restaurant is known for its quality, atmosphere, and friendly service.
Restaurant Cocotte: A modern and stylish restaurant in the 1898 The Post hotel serving European and Asian cuisine with local ingredients. The restaurant has a beautiful view of the Lys River and offers refined and original dishes such as shrimp with coconut milk, duck breast, or chocolate cake with raspberries.
Roots: A cozy and pleasant restaurant near Saint Michael’s Church specializing in Belgian and European cuisine with an emphasis on healthy and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant has a simple and elegant interior and offers tasty and creative dishes such as celery cream with mushrooms, salmon with broccoli puree, or apple pie with vanilla ice cream.

Why Visit Ghent

Ghent is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you love history, culture, nature, or cuisine, Ghent will surely captivate you with its beauty, diversity, and hospitality. It is a city that deserves more than just one night's stay.

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