Ghent

Ghent was the first Flemish city we visited.  Located about 45 minutes northwest of Brussels, Ghent was one of the richest cities in the middle ages and became a major industrial centre in the 19th century.  Today, many of the medieval buildings have been cleaned and restored as to attract tourists and the canal is now a very beautiful walk way lined with cafes and restaurants. 

We visited Het Gravensteen - the Castle of the Counts - which was once the seat of the counts of Flanders.  Parts of the castle date back to 1190, and until the 14th century, the castle was Ghent's main military stronghold.  It was then used as a jail until the late 1700s.  There are some great exhibits of torture chambers, the guillotine (gory stuff!) as well as a wonderful walk along the rampart walls, giving a good view of the city.

 

 

Cities in Belgium generally have a town square or "place" - the best example of this is Brussels' Grande Place, but Ghent's small square is quite charming and shows off the architecture of the buildings surrounding the center.

 

 

 

 

The canal is a big attraction in Ghent.  We walked along the sides and many people we out walking, biking and having a beer outside, despite the chilly and damp weather.