| Gent, also known as Ghent, is an incredibly popular | | | | Eyck. The entrance fee to see Van Eyck's work |
| destination in Belgium. The word "Gent" is actually | | | | is nominal, and the cathedral is open from 8:30 |
| the Dutch spelling for the city of "Ghent" and the | | | | a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. |
| two terms are often used interchangeably. Gent | | | | The Gravensteen, also known as the Castle of |
| is filled with exciting things to see and do and | | | | the Counts of Flanders, at Sint-Veerleplein 11 was |
| travellers will not be disappointed by the | | | | built by Philip of Alsace in the late 1100's. The |
| recreational offerings in Gent. Travellers can | | | | word Gravensteen is actually Dutch which, when |
| immerse themselves in the culture and history of | | | | literally translated means "castle of the counts." It |
| Belgium by seeing the myriad abbeys, beguinages, | | | | is the very first stone castle erected in Gent. |
| churches, castles, historic landmarks, and | | | | Prior to the Gravensteen, only wood structures |
| museums strewn throughout the city of Gent. | | | | existed. Finally, the Gravensteen has been |
| Gent was, at one time, second only to Paris in | | | | restored to its former glory and a number of |
| terms of popularity and size. In the 1830s, Gent | | | | medieval displays can be viewed within the castle: |
| showed the significant signs of industrialization, as | | | | offering viewing enjoyment for the entire family. |
| more and more factories were established within | | | | Food & Drink: |
| the city. Gent is a thriving city, one that | | | | Those in the mood for seafood can dine at Vier |
| possesses a population of well over 500,000 | | | | Tafels on Plotergracht 6. The Vier Tafels is a bar |
| people. It is also estimated that well over 30,000 | | | | and a restaurant, offering international delicacies, |
| people travel into Gent each day, for work and | | | | wines, cocktails, fresh seafood, salad, rice, salmon, |
| social activities. Since 1950, the city has undergone | | | | Gambas, mussels and more. Vier Tafels is |
| a significant phase of revival: the canal has | | | | honoured for its universal cuisine, so there is |
| brought many businesses into Gent. Currently, | | | | something for everyone's palate. |
| with its transportation network and many working | | | | 'T Keteltje at Nederkouter 1 is the perfecting |
| opportunities, the city of Gent continues to thrive | | | | dining spot if one is looking for a romantic dinner |
| and it is the capital of East Flanders, Belgium. | | | | while staying in Gent. Fully dressed tables and a |
| Places of interest: | | | | variety of season dishes make the 'T Keteltje |
| The city of Gent holds so many things to see in | | | | one of the finest places to dine in Belgium. |
| do. Travellers can get the perfect scenic | | | | Likewise, the De Foyer Brasserie at |
| overview of the entire city by touring the Belfry | | | | Sint-Baafsplein 17, is housed in the former Royal |
| or the Castle of Counts in the historic city of | | | | Dutch Theater. The De Foyer serves fine dishes |
| Gent. In fact, from the top of either location, | | | | like tomato crevettes, grey shrimp, chicken |
| other famous sites are easily viewable; sites that | | | | waterzooi, crème brulee, chocolate mousse, |
| include the Veerleplein, the Vleeshallen, the St. | | | | tiramisu, and tarts, among other incredible |
| Niklaas Church, the Library of the University, The | | | | desserts. |
| medieval harbour, St. Michiels Church and Gent's | | | | The Chez Leotine Restaurant at Groentenmarkt |
| shopping centre. | | | | # 10-11 also serves Waterzooi, Flemish Beef |
| In the heart of Gent, travelers will also find St. | | | | Stew, and frites. Waterzooi is a unique Belgium |
| Baafs Cathedral, a historic building filled with biblical | | | | dish, much like Cream of Chicken Soup, that has |
| artwork. The artwork in St. Baafs Cathedral | | | | chicken, carrots, celery and onions in the mix. |
| includes images of Adam, Eve, and the Serpent in | | | | After having your meal at the Chez Leotine |
| the Garden of Eden; the Tree of Life; the Holy | | | | Restaurant, travellers may find that the size of |
| Cross, and the images of the different counts of | | | | the servings offered there has left little to no |
| Flanders also appear in the Cathedral. Further, the | | | | room for dessert! |
| cathedral holds the tombs of the Flemisch Bishops | | | | Hotels & Accommodation: |
| and houses four pillars that were a gift from the | | | | Minotel Gravensteen |
| Tudors of Britain. Finally, the cathedral possesses | | | | Hotel Den Yzer Gent |
| some of the most stunning stain-glass art | | | | Hotel Ibis Gent Centrum Opera |
| imaginable. | | | | Holiday Inn Gent |
| While in Gent, travelers shouldn't miss out on | | | | Campanile Gent / Gand |
| touring the fifteenth century canon, now a | | | | Hotel Monasterium PoortAckere |
| monument, located near the Vrijdagmarkt. The | | | | Carlton |
| Vrijdagmarkt is a square in Gent, offering | | | | Entertainment: |
| opportunity for the travellers and residents of | | | | Travellers looking for entertainment can enjoy the |
| Gent to get a taste of medieval life by viewing | | | | nightlife of Gent when they stop into the Het |
| the existing medieval architecture. | | | | Waterhuis aan de Bierkant. The Het Waterhuis |
| Things to do: | | | | aan de Bierkant at Groente Markt 9 offers a fine |
| While staying in Gent, there is certainly no lack of | | | | choice of beers, both guest and seasonal. Weary |
| things to do. First, travellers will want to make | | | | travellers can rest and relax as they sip at the |
| sure they see as many of the churches and | | | | beer of their choosing and take in the scenic view |
| cathedrals as possible, because no two churches | | | | of the canal. |
| are exactly alike; each church holds its own unique | | | | Families can also take in a little culture when site |
| artwork and architecture, thereby making each | | | | seeing at the Alijnhuis, a museum located at |
| religious site seeing destination more difficult to | | | | Kraanlei 65, that offers hours of viewing |
| pass up while touring the city! | | | | entertainment and enjoyment. With craft rooms, |
| The Sint-Baafskathedraal Cathedral was built in | | | | displays portraying medieval life in Gent; bridal |
| the fourteenth century. Sint-Baafskathedraal in St. | | | | artifacts and the like, the Alijnhuis proves |
| Bavo's Square has no entrance fee, unless the | | | | entertaining for the entire family. Finally, some |
| traveller is looking to view "The Adoration of the | | | | children's games are offered at the Alijnhuis. |
| Lamb," a prized and cherished painting by Jan Van | | | | |