Ghent is a musical symphony, frozen in stone. This charming city is situated in the north of Belgium in the region of East Flanders, where the Scheldt and Leie rivers meet. It combines a magnificent and harmonious blend of scenic nature, architectural masterpieces, and modern buildings. It is cozy and spacious at the same time. Lanes, many canals, and the most beautiful buildings on their banks are cozily and whimsically intertwined here. Many sights of this city are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the streets of Ghent, you seem to be immersed in a medieval fairy tale, as the city has not yielded to the influence of time, has preserved its identity and magic to this day. Its warm atmosphere and friendly people make it unique and especially attractive for tourist trips. Ghent is particularly stunning when it is buried in green parks, gardens, and squares decorated with flowers.
The municipal area consists of Ghent itself and the small towns and villages around it. Here ancient districts with rich history and beautiful architecture are successfully intertwined with modernity. Let us focus on some of the most attractive for tourists.
The historic center of the city is declared a museum. It preserves the medieval layout and prohibits the movement of vehicles. This is the largest pedestrian zone in Europe. Among the variety of museums, everyone can find an exhibition or tour to his liking. In this matter, Ghent takes a leading position in Belgium. Most attractions, cafes, souvenir shops are also located in the center.
Patershol is a charming district with narrow cobblestone streets built with houses resembling mazes. The Moscou district is on the outskirts. The name was given to it by Russian officers who were encamped here in 1813. You can relax in restaurants with Russian cuisine, have a hearty meal, and see the Slavic culture through the eyes of the Belgians.
You should go shopping in the Bruges area, as there are many supermarkets and small stores.
The stretch of the Leie river, between two bridges with beautiful Medieval and Renaissance buildings on the Graslei and Korenlei promenades, is called the heart of this glorious Belgian city.
It is a city with the magnificent architecture of all eras and trends, which is exquisitely and harmoniously put together in a single ensemble, created by majestic monuments, parks, and squares, buried in greenery and flowers. This is truly one big attraction under the Belgian sky. Ghent will captivate you at first sight, from the first step on the sidewalk.
Ghent is incredibly cosmopolitan and welcoming to its visitors. Its inhabitants have a very pleasant and easygoing disposition; they are cheerful and upbeat. Ghent people love nature and take care of it. Perhaps that is why the streets are full of flowerbeds, which delight with the riot and variety of colors.
The ancestors of modern citizens have experienced hard times more than once. They have survived, kept their face and color, love of life, kindness, and passed all these qualities to their offspring. They honor their ancestors in Ghent, honor the past, and are proud of it. This is a city of hard workers, not accustomed to bowing before hardships. Many students from all over the world come here every year. You are sure to be won over by the hospitality and incredibly warm aura of this wonderful city.
The date of the foundation of this beautiful city is still a matter of dispute. Archaeological excavations suggest that the first settlements on the territory of modern Ghent were before the Stone Age; there is material evidence of the presence of the ancient Romans on this land. It was during the Roman Empire, at the confluence of the rivers Scheldt and Leie, the first settlement appeared.
By the middle of VII century, it was already a fairly large settlement called Ghent, which, according to one version, is translated from Celtic as "the place where the rivers meet." At the same time, the town was conquered by the Franks, and Old Netherlandic replaced the Celtic language.
The Middle Ages were marked by the founding of Saint Peter's Abbey and the construction of a port in the city to promote trade. At this time, Ghent grew and prospered at breakneck speed. In the XI-XVI centuries, it took the place of Europe's second city in importance and almost overshadowed Paris. Large enterprises producing cloth from English wool appeared here, trade developed, and the beautiful stone castle of Earls (Gravensteen) was added to the city's sights. The local guild unions took an active social and political position, asserted their rights, and cooperated with many developed European states. In 1500, Charles V, one of Europe's most eminent rulers, was born in this Belgian city.
A difficult period in the history of Ghent fell during the reign of Philip II because of the constant clashes between Protestants and Catholics. From the XV to the XIX century, there was an industrial decline; the production of cloth gave way to the leading foreign trade on the banks of the Scheldt and the Leie.
Becoming part of the French Empire in the early XIX century, the city regained its economic stability, and the number of its inhabitants tripled. The Ghent–Terneuzen canal was built, cloth manufacturing was revived, and other sectors of the economy were developing.
The history of the city is turbulent, full of events, periods of upheaval alternated by stagnation and decline. Occupying a central position in Europe, Ghent could not remain aloof from any major world events and wars. The city has survived and preserved its unique and beautiful face.
Today, it is a commercial, industrial, cultural, educational center of the international level, a sea, and a river port, an attractive place for tourists from different corners of the world.