Why Ghent Should Be Your Next European Escape

Picture a city steeped in history but pulsating with contemporary energy as you walk through the cobbled streets that are alive with stories.

If you’re looking for the usual clichéd sightseeing in horse-drawn carriages and tourist information centres, then Ghent in Belgium is not for you.

Here, you’re not just a passive observer to the fairytale; you become part of an urban environment that is alive with art, culture and, of course, the legendary Belgian beer.

So, forget those stereotyped maps where all the beautiful places have been visited many times over and are now crowded with tourists and be ready to uncover a gem that will leave you feeling more than satisfied.

Ghent is one of the oldest cities in Belgium whose history could be traced back to the 11th century.

The town originally stemmed from a small group of houses located at the confluence of two rivers, Scheldt and Leie, and grew into a prominent mediaeval city.

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Here's a Quick Glimpse Into Ghent’s Fascinating Past:

Early Days (630 AD):

The city began to grow when the Benedictine saint Amandus established an abbey.

Thriving Trade (10th-15th Centuries):

This made Ghent a dominant player in the textile industry and it was renowned for its exquisite woollen fabrics.

The city even had a period of near independence and wealth therefore power.

Rebellious Spirit:

Ghent has witnessed varying episodes of turbulence in its history. more_with This they did several times, most notably against their own prince, Charles V of Spain.

Shifting Fortunes (16th Century Onwards):

That was a disaster for Ghent because the textile trade went into decline but the city came into its own again in the 19th century as an industrial centre.

Today, it is a university town that successfully combines education, business, and a rich historical heritage.

A Time Capsule Awaiting Exploration:

Ghent has an intensely mediaeval history, and this is very much in evidence as one wanders around the city.

The Gravensteen castle loomed large with high towers and strong walls; it is almost like taking a step back in time and seeing knights and warfare.

Picture yourself in the great banquets in the banqueting halls and the strong knights guarding the walls.

Take a walk down the Graslei and Korenlei waterside, where brightly painted houses with gables were home to mighty guilds in the early middle ages.

Every structure appears to have a tale to tell of commerce, prosperity, and the economy that was once thriving in this region many centuries back.

A city that brings life back to the community

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Ghent isn’t satisfied with the position of being a city that stays in the past. Modern architecture fits well with the historical buildings giving the city an exciting environment that is new yet somehow familiar.

Look for the fabulous City Hall of Ghent with its rich decoration and the clock on the front side.

It is now time to look at the history of this city and its legends depicted in the sculptures and carvings on the walls.

Take a look at the modern campus of Ghent University, the place of young people’s energy and an example of the progressive spirit of Ghent.

Here, the future is being built in overcrowded classrooms and state of art research centres.

Experience the wonders of a city that was built on water and follow a network of canals.

One of the most beautiful and unique things about the city is its canals, a system of waterways that resembles Venice and gives a rather romantic view of the city.

Ride by such antecedent structures as the Patershol district, a complex of steep streets and small, walled yards, which used to be a market.

Graceful bridges decorated with flowers are a treat to the eye and the presence of flowered boats and colourful buildings bring in some colour into the picture while the quays are full of life with beautiful cafes and restaurants, which give a sneak peek into the life of the city.