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Ghent
The word Ghent derives from the Celtic word “Ganda”, indicating a confluence. At Ghent, the Lys River joins the Schelde on a journey to the North Sea. As with many cities in Belgium, Ghent’s canals are an important part of the city, influence its layout and development.
Ghent is a minor destination when compared Brugge or Brussels, but it has its own charms and should be visited in you are in the area.
Ghent is Brugge-like but lacks both its charm and range of attractions. Conversely, the town has its own ambiance and good food is easy to find.
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Although
limited in terms of attractions, tourist Ghent is small, compact,
easy to walk, and full of good natured townspeople.
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At night, the Ghent
comes alive due to an unusually large number of good restaurants that
can be found in the city's historic core.
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In summer, there is a
ten-day festival that is an outstanding party.
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If you plan to travel
in Belgium, read the information you need to know about driving, health care, and more in our section:
Belgium
Travel
Information
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If you are interested in finding out more about
Belgium, its people, history, economy and geography, visit our section
Belgium Country Facts
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Best Places to Visit in Belgium
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If you arrive by train, pick up the free Stadt Gent
Tourist Guide at the ticket office in the train station. The illustrated
Stadt Gent Guide provides a good overview of the city and includes a map
indicating the locations of the city's main attractions.
Three towers dominate the skyline of Ghent’s Old Town.
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The towers are: St. Bavo’s Cathedral (1),
the Belfry (2), and St. Nicholas’ Church (3).
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The Belfry and St. Bavo’s are located on St. Baaf’s
Plein with St. Nicholas on the next block.
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The best viewing point for these impressive
buildings is from St. Michael’s Bridge.
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In addition, the City Hall (4), located near
the Belfry, has an attractive architecture.
St. Bavo’s (St. Baaf’s) is one of Ghent's most notable attractions.
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The first church on this site was dates from 942. It was followed by the
construction of a Romanesque church in 1150, but due to structural weaknesses
in the building
and and a significant increase in the size of the congregation it was torn
down and replaced by a Gothic basilica in the
first half of the 14th century.
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The interior of St. Bavo’s was destroyed by iconoclasts in 1566 and
an accidental fire
finished the job in 1578.
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During the time of the iconoclasts, many of St. Bavo’s major art treasures
were hidden and, then, surrected in later times.
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In addition, some of the art displayed in St. Bavo’s
is related either directly or indirectly to Napoleon's sojourn in Ghent.
The Interior of Saint Bavos.
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St. Bavos is an impressive building but is very cold and dark – be sure to
wear a sweater if you are visiting in the fall or spring.
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The Cathedral's magnificent pulpit is a combination of white Carrera marble
and Danish oak dates from the eighteenth century.
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St. Bavos layout includes an enormous number of chapels, tombs, and artwork,
including "The Mystic Lamb" by Jan and Hubrecht van Eyck and a Rubens titled
"Conversion of St. Bavo".
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The church is of medium size but has endless surprises.
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Van Eyck’s work "The Mystic Lamb" is in a separate part of the Church and a
three € admission is charged.
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The famous altarpiece is dated 1432 and considered by many to be the
pinnacle of the Flemish School's accomplishments.
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The painting is comprised of twenty-four separate panels (front and back).
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During the Protestant revolt, the painting was hidden in the tower for
protection.
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In later centuries, the panels were stolen by French soldiers and, then,
German forces. In 1946, the painting was finally returned to Ghent.
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St. Bavos' Crypt (free - as is the church) is worth exploring. Buy the
English language pamphlet “Old Masters” for .50 € and have at it. There are
a number of interesting sights including the foundations of the main
building. The artwork is, of course, religious focused on Flemish artists,
and there are excellent examples for your inspection. Two masterpieces (“St.
Jerome in Prayer” and “Christ Carrying the Cross”) by Hieronymus Bosch are
the treasures of the collection.
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While St.Bavo’s Cathedral is the highlight of Ghent, the Château des
Comtes (5) - also known as the Chateau of the Counts of the Gravensteen -
is a nice way to spend an hour.
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The entrance fee is six € with discounts for children and seniors.
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The old castle was built in 1180 by Phillip of Alsace, Count of Flanders.
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In addition to its original military role, the castle has been used as a
mint, court, jail and cotton mill. The castle includes a crypt, dungeon, and
a museum featuring armor and weapons, as well as another display area
featuring implements of torture.
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Touring the castle requires lots of stair climbing, as the building’s
turrets are the main access to the interior of the museum. The views from
the top of the castle reveal Ghent’s medieval skyline.
If you have walked to St. Michael’s bridge to see the city’s towers, take
some time to inspect St. Michael’s Church (6) (15th century). (The Church is
open only during the summer tourist season). Cross the street and head back
to St. Nicholas's Church, if the mood strikes you.
Otherwise, follow the stairs down to the Korenlei along the canal and walk
towards the old port at the Graslie (7).
For more information on Ghent and its attractions, try
the town's official
tourism website .
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Best Places to Visit in Belgium
If you need information about another travel destination, try Googling our site or the Web
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