Gent
Places of Interest
A good starting point for visitors is St Michielsbrug, which spans the Leie River and provides beautiful views of the city’s trademark skyline of ornate medieval rooftops and three majestic spires – St Niklaas Church, the Belfort (Belfry) and St Baaf’s Cathedral. The latter, an impressive gothic edifice, is home to Gent’s most valuable treasure – the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, an enormous, multi-panelled altarpiece painting by the brothers Van Eyck in the 15th century.
For a panoramic vista of the city from above, visitors can climb the Belfort. Dating originally from the 14th century, it has been amended and adapted many times over the centuries and has a glass-sided lift for those who are not inclined to hike up the stairs. The bells, carillon and clock mechanism can be viewed on various floors of the tower.
Belgium is renowned for its spectacular medieval guildhouses, of which Gent has several. Lined along the Graslei, an old city quayside, the buildings reflect beautifully in the water. Boat trips starting from the Graslei provide a great way of exploring the city’s waterways.
To experience a traditional Belgian market in wonderful medieval surroundings, many tourists love to visit the Vrijdagmarkt, a large medieval square that hosts a market several days a week. Also on this square are lots of bars and cafes that provide a relaxing stopping point after exploring the maze of narrow cobbled streets around the surrounding Patershol area.
For a panoramic vista of the city from above, visitors can climb the Belfort. Dating originally from the 14th century, it has been amended and adapted many times over the centuries and has a glass-sided lift for those who are not inclined to hike up the stairs. The bells, carillon and clock mechanism can be viewed on various floors of the tower.
Belgium is renowned for its spectacular medieval guildhouses, of which Gent has several. Lined along the Graslei, an old city quayside, the buildings reflect beautifully in the water. Boat trips starting from the Graslei provide a great way of exploring the city’s waterways.
To experience a traditional Belgian market in wonderful medieval surroundings, many tourists love to visit the Vrijdagmarkt, a large medieval square that hosts a market several days a week. Also on this square are lots of bars and cafes that provide a relaxing stopping point after exploring the maze of narrow cobbled streets around the surrounding Patershol area.