ONe Day IN Ghent

One of the stops during my European Christmas vacation was Ghent, Belgium. Because our itinerary was tight and I new the city was on the smaller side we only ended up spending one day in Ghent. I can honestly say that one day was plenty.

History

Ghent was established as a city around the year 630! At one point in history, around the middle ages, Ghent was actually one of the most important cities of Western Europe. It grew so large through its wool trade and was once the second biggest city in Europe (Paris being the first). It seems hard to believe that now as you wander the small cobble stone streets but there’s definitely no denying the city has rich historical past.

Ghent Belgium

With a tumultuous number of decades, the 18th century finally found Ghent as a leader again being the first industrialized city in Europe. However, as other cities in Europe began to prosper Ghent lots its ability to follow along during the two world wars and the Great Depression. This may have been a blessing for the small city because as you wander through the streets yourself you seem as if you’re bouncing back and forth between the 14th century to the 21st.

Walking through Ghent

Ghent Belgium walking tour

Castle of Gerald the Devil

This red pin and start of this walking route is a 13th century castle. Oddly named Castle of Gerald the Devil is named after its former (or very former) owner; knight Geeraard Vilain. Apparently because he had very dark hair and very dark skin people believed he looked like the devil. Bit of an awful thing to say to someone if you ask me.

Ghent Belgium

Ghent Belgium

St. Bavo’s CathedralΒ 

Next stop along this walk is the St. Bavo’s Cathedral. This church dates back to the 10th century and was dedicated to St. John the Baptist. This is the largest building in Ghent and contains evidence of Romanesque as well as Gothic architecture. in the mid 1500s the church changed patron saints to St. Bavo which is how it got its present day name.

BelfryΒ 

Ghent’s Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbols the city’s independence holding the alarm bell which serves to protect the citizens. While I didn’t get the chance to climb to the top of the tower to see the bell I have heard it’s well worth it.

ghent belgium

Ghent Belgium

City Pavilion

The City Pavilion is a large open building that is surrounded by the Belfry, the Town Hall and St. Nicholas’ Church. It’s a bit of a weird structure but is very central in the town square and hard to miss. Take a walk underneath and enjoy the holed rooftop.

St. Michael’s Bridge and its View of the Three Towers

Walking along this bridge brings amazing views and photo-ops on either side. From either side you’ll see the Old Fish Market, the Castle of the Counts, and the famous row of towers (this is the only spot you can capture them neatly lined up in a row). From here walk down so you can walk further along the water.

Ghent Belgium

Ghent Belgium

Graslei and Korenlei

If you’re anything like me, walking along the water here will take you quite a while because there are so many beautiful buildings to take pictures of. The buildings are built and look similar to those in Amsterdam along this canal but they are wider and much more intricate. If you’re looking to grab a bite there are a number of restaurants stationed right along the water and aren’t too crazy in terms of price. It’s a beautiful spot to sit along a patio, drink a beer and enjoy the passerbys.

Castle of the Counts

This is the last little bit to take some pictures of. Located a bit away from the main centre the Castle of the Counts is definitely worth seeing. It’s the only medieval fortress in Flanders with its defence system mostly still intact. It now houses the Justice Museum that showcases interesting and unique torture equipment.

You can visit Ghent as a day trip from Bruges, Brussels, or Amsterdam fairly easily but we decided to spend a night here. We stayed atΒ Castelnou Aparthotel located just outside the historical city. The rooms were fantastic, very spacious and modern. Each came with a little kitchenette and one of the comfiest bathtubs I’ve ever been in! The free breakfast didn’t hurt either. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone.

Ghent Belgium

My one day in Ghent was certainly memorable and thoroughly enjoyable. Because of the time of year we were there the Christmas Markets were all still open for business. The food and drinks in the stalls could be smelt all over the city and tasted just as good as you would think.

Ghent in One Day

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23 Comments

  1. I am in love with the Belgian architecture. Those houses look so pretty and colorful. My husband loves Belgian beer and we are planning a beer tour around Belgium later this year, after we move to Munich. Now I have to put Ghent on the list of places to go πŸ™‚

  2. Ghent is one of my favourite cities in Belgium. I used to work in the area of Ghent, the people are really friendly there, the atmosphere is great and it’s a beautiful city!!

  3. Such a shame, live so relatively close to this place (Netherlands) but it is still on my list to visit. See and hear from so many people it’s beautiful! Heard the best time is to go in summer, when the ‘Ghentse feesten’ (parties) are on πŸ™‚

  4. Ghent is really a beautiful city. I was often in Brussels and Leuven and yet it’s such a shame I never had the time to visit Ghent… Thanks for sharing a guide for a short trip to the city πŸ™‚

  5. Ghent looks awesome, can’t believe it’s so close to home and I’ve never been! It’s definitely on our list of places to visit. Your photos are beautiful.

  6. Brussels is beautiful as well! I was pleasantly surprised by it. You should definitely head to Ghent when you have a chance to.

  7. That’s awesome! Belgium is definitely somewhere I could live for an extended period of time πŸ™‚ it’s so cute!

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