10 Convincing reasons to visit Ghent,
Belgium (part 1)
by Emiel on September 28, 2012
Ghent is a rebel.
Ghent is a party.
Ghent is an architectural masterpiece.
Ghent is a true gem in the Flanders region of Belgium. Lonely Planet calls it “the best kept
secret of Europe”. That will change, it’s no longer a secret as I hereby offer you the 10 most
convincing reasons to visit this beautiful city! Walk with me through the historical city center,
not only to watch architectural wonders but also to get a sense of the Belgian way of life.
1. Street view: an architectural feast
Walking through the city of Ghent is like walking through a historical painting, an
architectural masterpiece of castles, cathedrals, churches and old merchant houses. Don’t
forget to view the houses from above and go up the Belfry (Belfort) tower for an amazing
view!
2. Discover why Ghents are called Rope Bearers (and find the hidden clues)
Ghent is a little rebel. People from Ghent are called rope (or: noose) bearers as they seriously
rebelled against the regime of the Roman Emperor and Spanish King Charles (Karel) V back
in 1539. Charles won and humiliated the people of Ghent by having them parade around town
with white undershirts and ropes around their neck. If you stroll the area around Prinsenhof
you will find the famous statue remembering this humiliation. There are even restaurants and
bars named after this and I am sure you will find more (hidden) references!
Charles V wasn’t exactly the most friendly person for the people of Ghent, as this plaque in
the wall near the statue shows: people who were decapitated, burned or even burried alive in
those days….
3. Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen)
This medieval castle is situated in the middle of the city! It’s a great place with superb views
from the top. Your kids will have a fab time, but be careful when visiting the torture museum
inside the castle…it’s not really for people with a weak stomach so to say.
By the way, don’t look strange if you encounter a knight…
4. Klein Begijnhof
Klein Begijnhof (or Small Beguinage) is a beautiful small historical quarter. Walls surround
the houses and the church, dampening the sound from the surrounding city. There are multiple
quarters throughout the city of Ghent, most of them just outside the historical center. Because
of that you will not encounter many tourists…
5. Wonders of Ghent: unique and authentic shops
Around every corner you are going to find an interesting shop. Like The Fallen Angels: for all
your old and vintage things. Or the flower shop where you can buy flower ice cream (!). The
most interesting one was the old wallpaper shop, with designs from all the past 4 or 5 decades.
It seems to be quite a famous shop and at least one-of-a-kind.
That covers part 1 of my story about Ghent, but don’t worry, part 2 is available as well!
Thanks to Visit Flanders for inviting me to visit this beautiful city as part of their Flanders is a
Festival project.
Other blog posts about Ghent (and its cultural festivals): Cultural cocktail called Ghent.
Also read about Brussels and the beautiful Atomium by clicking here.