Gent Tourist Information
Author: Meredith
Article:
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 Gent. 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!
Hotels & Accommodation:
Minotel
Gravensteen H
otel Den Yzer Gent Hotel Ibis Gent Centrum Opera Hol
iday Inn Gent Campan
ile Gent / Gand Hotel Monasterium PoortAckere Carlton
> > 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.
Biography: Author: Meredith Booney Website:
http://www.belgiumcities.inf
o Meredith Booney is a freelance travel writer with over 20
years of experience writing for travel journals, newspapers and
magazines.
Belgium
Tourist Information
About the author:
Biography: Author: Meredith Booney Website:
http://www.belgiumcities.inf
o 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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