Ghent city guide

Ghent with its 250.000 inhabitants is the fourth largest city in Belgium and the main city in East Flanders. Throughout history this charming city has played an important role in the economic and cultural life in the North Europe. With its busy port Ghent was one of the trade centres of the world in the Middle Ages. Today, Ghent is a modern city packed with glorious castles, interesting museums, beautiful waterways adorned by magnificent buildings on both side and with a lively cultural life. Visited by thousands of people each year, yet not on the headlines as much as its neighbour cities in Flanders, Ghent is a real gem in the heart of Low Lands and is waiting to be re-discovered. Attractions The Belfry Tower Expressing wealth and power of the city, Belfry towers are among the most significant features of medieval Flemish cities. With a history dates back to 14th century, The Belfry Tower of Ghent is a must-see spot while in Ghent. The Gravensteen (Castle of the counts) The Gravensteen has a history dates back to Middle Ages and is important as it is one of the first stone castles in the Low Lands. Now a museum, The Gravensteen has a thrilling collection of medieval torture instruments and can be visited all year round. The St Bavo Cathedral With its magnificent tower dominating the city skyline, The St Bavo Cathedral is renowned as the most magnificent church in the country. Apart from its historical charm, the church is also important as it houses the monumental rococo pulpit by Laurent Delvaux, the Conversion of St. Bavo by Pieter Paul Rubens and the world-famous multi-sectioned painting “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” painted by Hubert van Eyck. Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is considered to be one of the most influential and beautiful painting of the Middle-Ages and the Flemish art. (Entrance: Free (church), € 3.00 (Mystic Lamb)) The St. Nicholas Church The St. Nicholas Church is one of the striking examples of Scheldt Gothic style buildings in the Low Lands. Geeraard de Duivel Steen (Castle of Gerald the Devil) Geeraard de Duivel Steen is perhaps one of the most tourist-ridden sites in Ghent not only for its architectural features but also for the story about its owner. According to the legend, Gerald, the owner of the castle, married five times throughout his live and he killed each wife to be able to marry another one, that’s why he was nicknamed as “duivel” meaning “devil”. True or not, the story is interesting enough to attract a great number of tourists to this site every year. Saint Micheeal’s Bridge Saint Michael's bridge, which is a magnificent symbol of the architectural wealth of medieval Ghent, offers a beautiful view of the famous Ghent towers: Saint Nicholas' Church, the Belfry and Saint Bavo's Cathedral (Three Towers). The Graslei and the Koornlei 'Graslei' and 'Koornlei' are two streets alongside the Leie River. With famous and the most beautiful medieval houses they host, streets and surrounding area are among the places you should definitely go while in Ghent. Dining and where to eat Ghent, with numerous restaurants and brassieres serving delicious food from local and international cuisine, offers the best culinary experience in East Flanders. Brasserie Pakhuis Brasserie Pakhuis is located on Shuurkenstraat 4, and offers tantalising dishes from Italian and French cuisine. The menu also includes Flemish specialties such as waterzooï and garnaalkroketten. Cosy with a spacious dining space this restaurant is one of the popular spots among tourists as well as locals. (An average three course meal in Brasserie Pakhuis ranges between € 12 – € 40) The House of Eliott Located on Jan Breydelstraat 36, The House of Elliot restaurant offers mouth-watering dishes from Belgian and French cuisine in a decent atmosphere. Belga Queen Nestled in a charming former 13th century Grain warehouse, Belga Queen invites you to an excellent dinning experience offering the best culinary quality. (Address: Graslei 10) Fabula Rasa Fabula Rasa with its menu including dishes from African and European cuisine is a cosy place where you can enjoy delicious meals at affordable prices. (Address: Fr. Lousbergskaai 134) Ghent by night Ghent by night is a dazzling experience. Taking a walk through the city centre which is illuminated until the first lights of the morning, you will be amazed by the lively atmosphere of this charming city. With numerous bars and night clubs Ghent is a shining star in Flanders’ night life. Het Patershol Located in “Three Towers” area, Het parasol is the best choice for a night out. De Korenmarkt Popular among the students, de Krotenmarkt offers nights full of dance and music. Damberd Jazzcafe With the live Jazz music performances it hosts, Damberd Jazzcafe offers you the right environment to relax and unwind while sipping your drink. From the airport and around Ghent Very well serviced by land, air and water transportation, travelling in and around Ghent is fast and convenient. If you want to reach Ghent from Brussels International Airport the only thing you should do is to take one of the trains to the main railway station in Ghent (Sint-Pietersstation). The ride will last about 1 hour. Sint-Pietersstation is directly served by several lines within Belgium. For further information about the fares and timetables please visit: http://www.b-rail.be/ Once in Ghent you most probably won’t need any transportation as the city is very compact with all the attractions close to each other. Therefore walking is one of the most convenient (and of course the cheapest) way to travel within the city. As in most of the cities in Europe, cycling is a popular way of transportation in Ghent. Bike hire available at Sint-Pietersstation and at bicycle shops such as Biker (Steendam 16), Het Verzet BVBA (Nieuwstraat 41). For those who do not like walking or cycling, Ghent is serviced by several bus and tram lines which make travelling within the city fast and easy. Festivals and events in Ghent Ghent Jazz Festival (Every year in June, dates for 2008: 10th – 20th July) Ghent Jazz Festival is an annual event in which local and international Jazz bands and singers stage their performances for the lovers of Jazz throughout 10 days. The Ghent Festivities (Every year, the week preceding the third Sunday of July) The Ghent Festivities are a serious of events take place in several spots in the city. The festival includes various theatre and music performances, exhibitions, guided city walks and firework displays offering a festive atmosphere.