A skyline of medieval spires pierces the grey northern sky above Gent, where the rivers Leie and Schelde converge in a tangle of canals. The Castle of the Counts stands guard over a city that once ranked among the wealthiest in northern Europe. Cobblestone lanes wind past guild halls draped in Flemish grandeur, while street musicians echo through the Graslei district. Gent does not shout its history; it breathes it quietly through every archway and gable.
Gent is one of the most beautiful cities in wealthy Flanders and it is also one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe. This nice city is situated at the confluence of the rivers Scheldt and Leie, and has numerous historical monuments. You can start right in the center of the town to the castle Gravensteen from the 12th century. If you look from its battlements you can see the intricate network of canals, but also landmarks of the city, which is definitely Belfry, Saint Bavo Cathedral, or Saint-Nicholas Church.
If you want a little rest and enjoy the atmosphere of the city you can not miss the waterfronts Granslei and Korenlei. At any time of day it is full of self-confident young people, mostly students of local universities, who will enchant you with their immediacy and helpfulness. Waterfront Granslei is typical for old guild houses with shields beautifully decorated, which are mirrored in the surface channel. Channels crisscrossing countless cruise ships full of curious tourists, which is the fastest way to experience all in an idyllic spot on the riverbank. If you get lost in small streets, you will be surprised by the number of caffes and many catering services for cyclists. Among other things, the Belgians take a bike as a natural means of transport anywhere in the office, on shopping, or on trips.
Much of the Gent’s medieval architecture remains intact and is remarkably well preserved and restored. The center of Gent is the largest carfree area in Belgium.
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St Bavo’s Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece
No visit to Gent is complete without entering St Bavo’s Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that houses one of the most important paintings in Western art. The Ghent Altarpiece, also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Hubert and Jan van Eyck, was completed in 1432 and is considered the first major oil painting of the Renaissance. The polyptych consists of 24 panels that unfold like a giant book, revealing scenes of the Annunciation, the Crucifixion, and the central panel showing the Mystic Lamb on an altar surrounded by saints, pilgrims, and angels. The level of detail is astonishing: individual blades of grass, jewels reflecting light, and expressions of profound peace on every face.
The altarpiece has survived a dramatic history. It has been stolen by Napoleon’s army, looted by the Nazis, and hidden in salt mines during World War II. In 1934, two panels were stolen and one, The Just Judges, has never been recovered and remains replaced by a copy. The restored altarpiece returned to the cathedral’s new purpose-built visitor centre in 2021, where it is displayed in a climate-controlled glass chamber that allows intimate viewing of every panel. Book tickets in advance online, as time slots sell out days ahead during peak season. The cathedral itself, with its soaring white interior, Baroque pulpit, and Rubens painting, merits exploration before or after your encounter with the Van Eyck brothers’ enduring masterpiece.
Gravensteen Castle and Gentse Cuisine
The Castle of the Counts, known locally as Gravensteen, is not merely a photogenic landmark to admire from the outside. This imposing 12th-century fortress, built by Count Philip of Alsace, invites visitors into its turreted interior where the medieval world comes to life. The moat, the original gatehouse, and the massive keep remain intact from the Crusader-era construction. Inside, a museum of torture instruments occupies the lower chambers, a sobering exhibit that includes the rack, thumbscrews, and an iron maiden. climb the narrow spiral staircase to the battlements for a commanding view over Gent’s rooftops and the meandering Leie river. The walkway between the towers provides the best photo opportunity of the city skyline.
After exploring the castle, turn your attention to Gent’s exceptional food scene. The city is famous for its street food, and you cannot leave without trying gentse waterzooi, a creamy stew of chicken or fish in a broth thickened with egg yolk and cream, served with potatoes and root vegetables. Stoverij, a Flemish beef stew slow-cooked in dark beer with mustard and spices, is another local classic. For a quick bite, try a piece of cuberdon, the cone-shaped purple raspberry candy that has become the city’s unofficial emblem. Food markets, including the Friday Vrijdagmarkt and the Saturday vegetable market at Groentenmarkt, offer fresh produce and local specialities that reveal why Gent is considered one of Belgium’s most exciting culinary destinations.
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