From Antwerp, I ventured on to Ghent, where I stayed for the night. The hostel had the safest reviews, and the view of Graslei and Korenlei along the Leie River, a tributary of the Scheldt, is particularly beautiful by night. The tagline of the Visit Ghent site is 'More than a one night stay', although I only stayed for one night, it is definitely worth staying longer. This is my Walking Tour, Ghent Edition.
GHENT
Ghent is still a well-kept secret and is definitely worth a visit. Visitors who are already familiar with the city have become loyal ambassadors. Ghent has so much more to offer than the Castle of the Counts and the splendid views of Graslei and Korenlei. It offers a unique combination of authenticity, creativity and natural local flair. What’s more, it’s a human-scaled city in the heart of Flanders with added value thanks to its many waterways.Assets and highlightsGhent is still a well-kept secret and is definitely worth a visit. Visitors who are already familiar with the city have become loyal ambassadors. Ghent has so much more to offer than the Castle of the Counts and the splendid views of Graslei and Korenlei. It offers a unique combination of authenticity, creativity and natural local flair. What’s more, it’s a human-scaled city in the heart of Flanders with added value thanks to its many waterways.First of all its excellent location. And of course The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, the tryptych by the Van Eyck brothers that is displayed at St Bavo’s Cathedral. Moreover, Ghent is the only city with a lighting plan, which illuminates the streets and buildings at night, showcasing them from a different angle. Ghent is also the festival city of Flanders, boasting the largest outdoor city festival in Europe. And if you’re a fan of flowers, you’ll undoubtedly know that Ghent hosts a highly prestigious flower exhibition, the Floralies. Last but not least: which other city has a real castle in its city centre?Renowned opinion makers have branded Ghent a beautiful destination. Our city is praised in many ways far across our national borders: by National Geographic Traveler Magazine and Lonely Planet, it was crowned UNESCO City of Music, Veggie Capital of Europe, City of Light etc. Credit
Here are some of my picks*:
1. Gravensteen
Gravensteen (meaning "Castle of the Counts" in Dutch) is a castle that dates back to the Middle Ages. It once served as a court, factory, and almost faced demolition. It was finally bought over and restored by the city and the state, making it a key attraction in the city today.
2. St Michael's Bridge and Korenmarkt
Not only does the St Michael's Bridge offer a view of both Graslei and Korenlei, as you walk across the bridge from the side of Gravensteen towards Korenmarkt, the view ahead is stunning whether in the day or at night. Check out the restaurants, grab some ice cream, or stand in awe of Saint Nicholas' Church (Sint Niklaaskerk).
Twenty years ago (Korenmarkt) was a car park. Today it is the heart of the largest pedestrianised shopping area in Europe. The former post office building from 1909, with its façade that is ornately decorated with statues and coats of arms - was turned into a shopping centre. Don’t forget to look up at the beautiful clock tower. Credit
Enjoy a 360 degrees view of Ghent from the St Michael's Bridge.
3. Graslei and Korenlei (read full post here.)
My first night in Europe after a long flight and I forced myself to stay awake to catch the sunset (the sun sets at 10 plus in summer). No regrets.
Ask ten inhabitants of Ghent what the most beautiful place in their city is and nine will answer the Graslei. Today this medieval port with its unique row of historical buildings, which are reflected in the long river, is the meeting place par excellence. Young and old, inhabitant and visitor, everyone meets on one of the many café patios or simply by the water. This is the thriving heart of the inner city. The house of the Grain Weighers, the Guildhall of the Free Boatmen, the Spijker… every house on the Graslei has its own history. Together they form the story of the incredible blossoming of Ghent’s economy during the Middle Ages. On the other side of the water is the Korenlei. All that remains of some of the original buildings is the outer walls! Behind them is a brand new hotel. Credit
4. Stadshal
The Stadshal is worth a mention because this edgy building stood out among its neighbours. This multi-functional and open city pavilion is a cafe, city park and work of art rolled into one that can host events like concerts, performances and markets.
5. Stadhuis (City Hall)
From 1301, the Ghent magistrate was composed of 13 aldermen of the Keure, charged with the administration of the city, and 13 aldermen of Gedele, who dealt wit matters of inheritance and guardianship. Shortly afterwards, the municipality decided to buy three premises at the Hoogpoort. And so, the foundations of the town hall complex were laid.The still existing rooms of the house of the Keure were built in different campaigns. Around 1516-17, the first plans were drawn up for a new municipal house. Only a quarter of the originally large-scale plans were completed. During the end of the 16th century, the building was extended with a remarkable renaissance facade.If you go inside, you will also encounter all sorts of different styles. There is the Armoury Hall with the wooden vault, the splendid Wedding Chapel with the Counts of Flanders immortalized in six stained glass windows, the Pacification Hall with its floor of black and white stones, designed as a labyrinth, symbolizing the pursuit of justice and happiness.
One half flamboyant Gothic style and one half sober Renaissance style, entry will cost you 5 Euros, but here's a detailed and free virtual tour of the Stadhuis.
6. Het Belfort van Gent
The Belfry is one of three medieval towers in Ghent (the other two are at Saint Bavo's Cathedral and Saint Nicholas' Church). Together with 23 belfries in Flanders and 6 in Wallonia, it was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 4, 1999. Entry will cost you 6 Euros but hey, you can claim bragging rights to having climbed the tallest Belfry in Belgium at 91 metres.
7. Saint Bavo's Cathedral
When Charles V was baptised there in 1500, the metamorphosis from a closed Romanesque church to a spacious Gothic one was fully underway. However, despite substantial financial support from the emperor, the cathedral still remained unfinished 58 years later. As a result, the funeral service for the deceased sovereign could not take place there.All that remains of the original Romanesque church is the crypt. St. Bavo’s Cathedral houses an impressive number of art treasures: the baroque high altar in white, black and red flamed marble, the rococo pulpit in oak, gilded wood and marble, a major work by Rubens, the ‘Calvary Triptych’, attributed to Joos van Wassenhove, alias Justus van Gent, tombs of the Ghent bishops, and much more. However, one work stands out head and shoulders above the rest: the world-famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painted by Hubert and Jan van Eyck around 1432.Since the spring of 2013, the tower of the Saint Bavo Cathedral has been under scaffolding, undergoing a major overhaul. The tower and four stained glass windows are top of the list. The works will be carried out from top to bottom and the scaffolding will be taken down as soon as a section has been completed. But that will be some time in coming, because the restoration works won’t be over for at least four years. Credit
8. Supermarkets
Galler Chocolatier - Pistaches Fraiches is worth a mention in this list. Visit any supermarket and raid the shelves. Only in Belgium.
More Information
Getting into Ghent
Train travel between cities in Belgium are fast and affordable. My typical modus operandi is to ask the ticket seller, which is the fastest and cheapest train to my destination, and when and which platform it will depart from. There are 2 train stations in Ghent - Gent Sint-Pietersstation and Gent Dampoort. Alight from the train at the station that is closer to your destination in Ghent. I arrived from Antwerp at Dampoort and left for Brugges at Sint-Pietersstation.
Sint-Pietersstation is the larger of the two, with rather interesting interiors and exteriors.
Getting Around Ghent
I had little difficulty navigating around Ghent on foot or by bus given the complimentary tourist brochures and bus stop information around the city. Should you meet any difficulties, just ask and the locals will be more than happy to help you out. I thought the Visitors' Information Centre (Sint-Veerleplein 5, 9000 Gent) near Gravensteen wasn't exactly easy to find, but once found, very sleek and informative.
*There are stars on the map I deliberately left out, don't fret. With limited time and money, there were some attractions which I did not pay to enter, or were closed on the day of my visit.
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