Introduction
Ghent (Gent), the capital town of Oost-Vlaanderen (East Flanders) province, is often considered a poor relation of Bruges in tourism terms, with historical monuments and townscapes that are not quite as pretty as those in its sister city to the north, and therefore only to be visited if there is time after seeing Bruges. From a tourist's point of view, there is some truth in this -- but not too much. Life moves faster in Ghent, an important port and industrial center, and it compensates for its less precious appearance with a vigorous social and cultural scene.
This magnificent old city at the confluence of the Leie (Lys) and Scheldt (Schelde) rivers, 48km (30 miles) northwest of Brussels and 46km (28 miles) southeast of Bruges, has always been a pivotal point for Flanders. For a time during the Middle Ages, this was one of the richest cities in Europe north of the Alps. Ghent was the seat of the counts of Flanders, who built their great castle here in 1180, but local fortifications...
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Sint-Baafskathedraal (St. Bavo's Cathedral)
Even if you see nothing else in Ghent, you shouldn't miss this massive cathedral. Don't be put off by its rather unimpressive exterior, an uncertain...
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Het Huis van Alijn (Alijn House)
Set in a cluster of folksily restored almshouses from the 1300s, Ghent's fascinating folklore museum is set in a tranquil, grassy courtyard that...
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Museum voor Schone Kunsten (Fine Arts Museum)
This fine museum houses both ancient and modern art masterpieces. Highlights include works by Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony Van Dyck, Hieronymus Bosch,...
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- Museums
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