Gent
Tourist Information by Meredith
 General
summary of city:
Gent, also known as Ghent,
is an incredibly popular destination in Belgium. The word "Gent" is actually
the Dutch spelling for the city of "Ghent" and the two terms are often
used interchangeably. Gent is filled with exciting things to see and do
and travellers will not be disappointed by the recreational offerings in
the city. Travellers can immerse themselves in the culture and history
of Belgium by seeing the myriad abbeys, beguinages, churches, castles,
historic landmarks, and museums strewn throughout the city of Gent.
Gent was, at one time, second
only to Paris in terms of popularity and size. In the 1830s, Gent showed
the significant signs of industrialization, as more and more factories
were established within the city. Gent is a thriving city, one that possesses
a population of well over 500,000 people. It is also estimated that well
over 30,000 people travel into Gent each day, for work and social activities.
Since 1950, the city has undergone a significant phase of revival: the
canal has brought many businesses into Gent. Currently, with its transportation
network and many working opportunities, the city of Gent continues to thrive
and it is the capital of East Flanders, Belgium.
Places
of interest:
The city of Gent holds so
many things to see in do. Travellers can get the perfect scenic overview
of the entire city by touring the Belfry or the Castle of Counts in the
historic city of Gent. In fact, from the top of either location, other
famous sites are easily viewable; sites that include the Veerleplein, the
Vleeshallen, the St. Niklaas Church, the Library of the University, The
medieval harbour, St. Michiels Church and Gent's shopping centre.
In the heart of Gent, travelers
will also find St. Baafs Cathedral, a historic building filled with biblical
artwork. The artwork in St. Baafs Cathedral includes images of Adam, Eve,
and the Serpent in the Garden of Eden; the Tree of Life; the Holy Cross,
and the images of the different counts of Flanders also appear in the Cathedral.
Further, the cathedral holds the tombs of the Flemisch Bishops and houses
four pillars that were a gift from the Tudors of Britain. Finally, the
cathedral possesses some of the most stunning stain-glass art imaginable.
While in Gent, travelers
shouldn't miss out on touring the fifteenth century canon, now a monument,
located near the Vrijdagmarkt. The Vrijdagmarkt is a square in Gent, offering
opportunity for the travellers and residents of Gent to get a taste of
medieval life by viewing the existing medieval architecture.
Things to do:
While staying in Gent, there
is certainly no lack of things to do. First, travellers will want to make
sure they see as many of the churches and cathedrals as possible, because
no two churches are exactly alike; each church holds its own unique artwork
and architecture, thereby making each religious site seeing destination
more difficult to pass up while touring the city!
The Sint-Baafskathedraal
Cathedral was built in the fourteenth century. Sint-Baafskathedraal in
St. Bavo's Square has no entrance fee, unless the traveller is looking
to view "The Adoration of the Lamb," a prized and cherished painting by
Jan Van Eyck. The entrance fee to see Van Eyck's work is nominal, and the
cathedral is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
The Gravensteen, also known
as the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, at Sint-Veerleplein 11 was built
by Philip of Alsace in the late 1100's. The word Gravensteen is actually
Dutch which, when literally translated means "castle of the counts." It
is the very first stone castle erected in Gent. Prior to the Gravensteen,
only wood structures existed. Finally, the Gravensteen has been restored
to its former glory and a number of medieval displays can be viewed within
the castle: offering viewing enjoyment for the entire family.
Food
& Drink:
Those in the mood for seafood
can dine at Vier Tafels on Plotergracht 6. The Vier Tafels is a bar and
a restaurant, offering international delicacies, wines, cocktails, fresh
seafood, salad, rice, salmon, Gambas, mussels and more. Vier Tafels is
honoured for its universal cuisine, so there is something for everyone's
palate.
'T Keteltje at Nederkouter
1 is the perfecting dining spot if one is looking for a romantic dinner
while staying in Gent. Fully dressed tables and a variety of season dishes
make the 'T Keteltje one of the finest places to dine in Belgium. Likewise,
the De Foyer Brasserie at Sint-Baafsplein 17, is housed in the former Royal
Dutch Theater. The De Foyer serves fine dishes like tomato crevettes, grey
shrimp, chicken waterzooi, crème brulee, chocolate mousse, tiramisu,
and tarts, among other incredible desserts.
The Chez Leotine Restaurant
at Groentenmarkt # 10-11 also serves Waterzooi, Flemish Beef Stew, and
frites. Waterzooi is a unique Belgium dish, much like Cream of Chicken
Soup, that has chicken, carrots, celery and onions in the mix. After having
your meal at the Chez Leotine Restaurant, travellers may find that the
size of the servings offered there has left little to no room for dessert!
Entertainment:
Travellers looking for entertainment
can enjoy the nightlife of Gent when they stop into the Het Waterhuis aan
de Bierkant. The Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant at Groente Markt 9 offers
a fine choice of beers, both guest and seasonal. Weary travellers can rest
and relax as they sip at the beer of their choosing and take in the scenic
view of the canal.
Families can also take in
a little culture when site seeing at the Alijnhuis, a museum located at
Kraanlei 65, that offers hours of viewing entertainment and enjoyment.
With craft rooms, displays portraying medieval life in Gent; bridal artifacts
and the like, the Alijnhuis proves entertaining for the entire family.
Finally, some children's games are offered at the Alijnhuis.
The Friday Market in the
city centre of Gent, is an outdoor market that gives travellers a chance
to enjoy a day of shopping. Olives, fresh fish, sausages, chicken, cheeses,
fruits and vegetables, breads, and bakery items are offered at many of
the booths in the market. Further, travellers can purchase souvenirs, clothing,
furniture, woodcarvings, knick-knacks and an array of items are sold every
Friday. The Friday market surrounds one of the popular monuments in Gent's
city square: the Jacob Van Artevelde, a monument to one of Gent's formidable
political figures.
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Author: Meredith Booney www.belgiumcities.info
Meredith Booney is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience
writing for travel journals, newspapers and magazines. Belgium Tourist
Information
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