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The statue of Lieven Bauwens (1769-1822) represents the person, who smuggled the "Mule Jenny", an automatic spinning machine, from England into Flanders, this laying the basis of the textile industry in Flanders.

The first building we see is the castle of Gerard The Devil. It's a fortified mansion in gothic style (1245) with romanesque crypt. Since the 14th century, it has been used as arms depot, school of the Hieronymits, seminary, mental hospital, house of correction, orphanage and fire-station. Now it houses the state archives.

On our walk, the next thing we see is the statue of the Van Eyck Brothers. It's representing the art painters Hubert and Jan Van Eyck, accepting the tribute of the people. Hubert has the Gospel on his knees. This refers to their masterpiece, the "Adoration of The Myst* Lamb", as it is a scene taken from the Book of Revelation.

St-Bavo's cathedral is a magnificent building with a fine collection of works of art. The building itself is a combination of several architectural styles: romanesque 12th century crypt, high-gothic 14th en 15th centuries' sanctuary and late-gothic 15th and 16th centuries' tower and nave. The art of painting is represented by 2 masterpieces: The Adoration of The Mystic Lamb by Jan Van Eyck (1432), st-Bavo's Entry into the Monastery by P.P. Rubens (1623). Three beautiful sculptures are: the gorgeous pulpit by Laurent Delvaux (1741), the harmonious mausoleum of Bishop A. Triest (1652) and the luxurous organ-case in baroque style (1653). The romanesque crypt contains a number of remarkable tomb-stones of noble-men and bishops, and an exquisite collection of church requisites and treasures.

Before the cathedral and the Royal Dutch Theater, we see the statue of Jan Frans Willems (1793-1846), known as the founder of the Flemish Movement. He fought for the recognition of Dutch as a language of full value and for the rights of the Flemish people.

On the other side of the square, one can see the belfry, built about 1300 and finished in 1338. Being the municipal tower, established to preserve the city's privileges (in the Secret) and to call out the militia if necessary, the belfry became the symbol of municipal autonomy. The present stone spire was erected early this century. The original copper dragon dates from 1377. He has been replaced twice, in 1854 and in 1980. Close beneath, the belfry shelters the cloth hall (1425) where the Lords of the hall gathered. It was also used as meeting hall of the wool-and clothtraders.

Biezekapelstraat-Zandberg-Hoogpoort

House the Rear Sickle is named after its first owner, the Van Der Sickelen family. This 14th century's patrician residence is now an academy of music. Pittoresque integrity of galleries, towers and a private chapel gathered round a small, sober garden which is illuminated at night.

The corner-wing of the hotel vanden Meersche dates from 1547 and was enlarged in the 18th century by order of vanden Meersche, master of Berlare and Bareldonk. Mow it's a mother-house.

House The Small Sickle is a 13th century patrician residence in romanesque style with a crenellated front. Above the old entrance door there is the escutcheon of the family van der Sickelen.

The House The Small Sickle was in the 16th century the centre of a town quarter, where most of the Leading Latin and Humantic schools were located. It is now built-on with 18th century's mansions. The town pump is from 1810.

Nrs 50 and 52 of the Hoogpoort, contain respectively house the Grote or Wiffe Moor and house De Zwarte Moor, both 15th century's stepgables in Brabantine gothic. Nr 54 is the house De Grote Sikkel, residence of the patrician family van der Sickelen. There is a double stepgable dating back to the 14th century. On nr 77, one can see the house De Grote Sikkel,, a beautiful 18th century's house in Rococo style with a balcony in wrought iron.

The st-George's Court was the guildhouse of the cross-bowmen. Built between 1469 and 1477, it is now a hotel. It was in this place that in 1477, Mary of Burgundy signed the "Great Privilege", by which the communities regained a certain independence.

Botermarkt-Emile Braunplein-Klein Turkije-Koornmarkt

The building of the present town hall was started in the 15th century. The oldest wing, core of the whole complex, dates back to 1482 and is in late-gothic style. The late-gothic edifice along Hoogpoort (15 windows) and along Botermarkt (4 windows) was built between 1518 and 1539. One quarter of the original plan by the architects Rombout Keldermans and Domien de Waghemaekere was now carried out. When, in 1539 trouble began with Emperor Charles V, work was stopped for some time. The statues on the facades were only addede in the 19th century. Late 16th and early 17th centuries, the Hoogpoort side was continued in Italian Renaissance style; the new facades along botermarkt (19 windows) and on the corner of the Poeljemarkt (9 windows) are also in renaissance style. The last parts (18th century) that were built being the porter's lodge in Flemish baroque style, on the corner of Hoogpoort and Stadhuissteeg and the Room of the Poor in rococo style (1750) along Poeljemarkt.

At the north side of the belfry stands the former town prison or the so called Mammelokker. It was put up in Louis XVI style. The belfry also contains the best known carillon in the Low countries. The famous bell Roeland was cast in 1315 and hung in the tower in 1325. In the 17th century, 37 bells were made from the riginal bell Roeland and the smaller warning bells; three new large ones, the "Triomphanten" were add. The biggest of these, also known as Roeland, cracked in 1914 and now stands on the E. Braunplein. The other two stiil hang in the belfry.

The st-Nicholas' church was built in the 13th century and later repeatedly altered. It is the best example of Scheldt gothic. The west-porch in baroque style dates back to 1681.

The former room of the Chamber of Rhetoric De Fonteyne, dates back to 1539 and is the oldest exarnple in Ghent of a renaissnnce facade, set with volutes around the edge.

Klein Turkije belonged to the cemetary of st-Nicholas' church in former days. Small houses were built around the church in 1642. The traditional houses on the opposife side dates back to the 15th, 17th and 18th centuries, among them are the house of the Grocers or the Red Hat, dating back to the 13th century and with a facade in Tournay limestone.

Klein Turkije-Korenmarkt-Korte Munt

Klein Turkije belonged to the cemetary of st-Nicholas' church in former days. Small houses were built around the church in 1642. The traditional houses on the opposite side dates back to the 15th, 17th and 18th centuries, among them are the house of the Grocers or the Red Hat, dating back to the 13th century and with a facade in Tournay limestone.

The Korenmarkt constitutes a commercial and economic centre, ever since the medieval corn trading on Fridays. on the same side of the church there are the houses: The Maecht van Ghent (The Virgin of Ghent) (1671) and Borluut (13th century); across the street there are De Wapens van Zeeland (The Arms of Zeeland) (1700) and Het Meuleken (The Mill) (1652).

Groentenmarkt- Lange Munt-Groot Kanonplein

The Groentenmarkt used to be the display- and sellingplace of fish. Its name originates from the vegetables market which is being held here since the 18th century. The Great Meat House (built between 1406 and 1410) was a medieval covered market for the sale of meat, with corporation house and chapel of the butchers. Leaning to the south facade are the penshuizekens (1542), small houses where in those days the poor people used to obtain the bowels of slaughtered animals. Behind the Gallows House the yoke of the medieval scandal bench can still be seen. There is a famous mustard factory with a shop.

On a small square next to the Leie, one can see the Mad Meg, a canon made of wrought iron between 1430 and 1483.

Vrijdagsmarkt

In the Middle Ages, the Fridaymarket was the centre of political life and the scene of many skirmishes amongst trades. From the architectural point of view it is a very important place because of a number of historical buildings, eg. The Small Tower. It was tanner's guild house built in 1460. A bell, which announced the opening of the marked, used to hang at the round-watch-tower. An iron ring attached to it was for the exposition of the rejected cloth. In the middle we see Jacob van Artevelde (1290-1345), nicknamed "the wise man from Ghent". He was the leader of Ghent from 1338 till 1345, the year in which he was killed during a riot. He became a great politician who has mainly concerned with defending the municipal liberties. The weapons of the 14th century's guildes are sculpted on the pedestad. Three scenes remind us of the alliances Jacob van Artevelde concluded. At the end of the Kammerstraat, one can see Royal Academy for Dutch language and literature. In 1746 it was rebuilt in rococo-style.

Kammerstraat-Vlasmarrkt-Wijzemansstraat-Vrijdagmarkt-Meersenierstr-Zuivelburg

The st-Jameschurch contains a romanesque tower on the crossing of the nave and transepts and two west-towers. There were a lot of alterations in later periods.

Kraanlei-patersholarea-Geldmunt

On the corner of the Kraanlei, one can see The Seven Works of Mercy on no 77, a 17th century's middle-class house in baroque style with bas-reliefs between the floors. No 79 is The Flying Deer, a corner house in baroque style from 1669; abundantly decorated with sculptures (relief of the 5 senses and the flying deer, the 3 cardinal virtues, a flute-player, etc. The Children Alyns Hospital is one the few remaining witnesses to the almshuoses (13th and 14th centuries). It is made up of 18 typical Flemish houses in which souvenirs of the way of life of the common Ghent people, as it was in 1900, are exhibited.

The Patershol-quarter has a typical medieval street pattern with preserved small scale buildings. The inhabitants, however, did undergo some important changes: in the 10th century the curries were working round the Plottersgracht, which is now filled up. Later on came the artisans, patricians, magistrates and tradesman. Under the influence of the industrial revolution, the castle of the Counts was transformed into a factory and small artisans and workmen inhabited the patershol-quarter. From the end of the 19th century on, there was dilapidation of the quarter, now there is fortunately renovation.

st-Veerleplein- Hoofibrug- Rekelingestraat.

The castle of the Counts was built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, count of Flanders. You have a scenic view from the donjon. Further the castle has a crypt and torture chambres.

The st-Veerleplein is said to be the oldest place in Ghent. It evokes everyone's admiration because of its perfect harmony with the nearby Castle of the Counts. The beautiful old facades however, are no more than 300 years old. This square was often the scene of the most dreadful executions, but it was also an important market place. The former fishmarket was built in 1689. It has been enlarged in 1872 into L-shape on the side of the Wenemaershospital. The monumental entrance-gate in baroque style has an impressive decoration of sculptures: Neptune, the sea-god, in the middle, flanked by allegorical representations of Lys (female figure) and Scheldt (male).

When passing the brig over the Lieve, whe can see the only remaining wooden house of the middle ages in Ghent.

Burgstraat-Jan Breydelstraat-Koornlei

On the corner of the Gewad, you have the house of Crowned Heads, a renaissance facade dating back to 1559 with undulated top and with portraits of the Counts of Flanders (going from Baudouin of Constaninopel to Philip II.

The Hotel de Coninck is located in the Jan Breydelstraat. You have a beautiful view on the great meat house and the old fishmarket.

Koornlei-Graslei- st.Michielsplein

The Graslei is the ancient port of Ghent, along which the famous Guild houses are situated. From right to the left we see the guild house of the Free Boatmen (1531) in Brabantine gothic; the guild house of the grain measurers (1698) in baroque style; tiny house of the toll collector (1682) in Flemish renaissance style; The Spijker or grain warehouse (1200) in romanesque style and last is the first grain Mesasurer's house (1435) in Flemish renaissance style. Together with the Graslei, the Koornlei used to be the medieval harbour of Ghent. No 7 is the guild house of the unfree boatmen: facade in baroque style (1739) and no 24 the so called Dragon and crypt, originally a romanesque castle, but restored in 17th century's condition.

St-Michael's church (1440-1648) is a spacious church in late-gothic style. The massive tower remained unfinished. It contains the famous Crucifixion painting by Anthony van Dyck.

Between Onderbergen (entrance) and the Lys is the Pand, a former Dominican's monastery, now part of the patrimony of the university. The original Utenhovegasthouse next to the st-Michael's church, was transformed into a monastery and a church (demolished in 19th century) by the Dominicans in the 13fh century. The east-wing, alongside the Lys, where the council room, kitchen, large refctory, chapter-room and sacristy and on the 2th floor the dormitory used to be, is in the 13th and 14th centuries' style. In the corner between the north-and east-wing is the small Rand, built in Louis XVI-style (18th century). The nothwing alongside st-Michael's church, the so called guests' quarters, dates back to the 17th century and was built in replacement of the old Utenhove hospital.

st-Michielsbrug

A summary of all the most beautiful buildings we saw, can be obtained by enjoying the exectional view from the st-Michielsbrug.

Useful Information:

(gnt) (KEY) , Flemish Gent, Fr. Gand, city (1991 pop. 230,246), capital of East Flanders prov., W Belgium, at the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers. Connected with the North Sea by the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal and by a network of other canals, Ghent is a major port and the chief textile and banking center of Belgium. Other products of the city include metals, chemicals, paper, processed food, and motor vehicles. It is also the trade center of a flower- and bulb-producing region. Ghent is an episcopal seat and has a university (founded 1816).

Ghent is situated at the intersection of the motorways E17 and E40 and can easily be reached by car. National and international trains stop in Ghent (stations Sint-Pieters and Dampoort).

The city has an extensive public transport network serving the city centre and surrounding area.

It can be no coincidence that Ghent, the capital of East Flanders, was given several pretty names: historic heart of Flanders, a city of all times, one of the most beautiful historic cities in Europe.

The city combines an impressive past with a vivid present. Numerous tourists visit Ghent of which the citizens carry the nickname "stroppendragers" or noose-bearers and use the extensive accommodation possibilities. The historic heart of the city offers a lot of places of interest. From St Michael's bridge there is a wonderful view on the skyline of Ghent with the three impressive towers of St Nicholas' Church, the Belfry with its bell tower and St Bavo's cathedral with the worldfamous painting "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by Jan van Eyck.

Traces of the Middle Ages were preserved at a lot of places. The old port with its guild halls on the Graslei and Korenlei is merely one example of the beautiful views this town has to offer.

Not far from the Graslei arises the Castle of the Counts, once the medieval fortress of the Count of Flanders. Nowadays it is a major tourist attraction.

Ghent also has several museums, abbeys, beguinages, dozens of churches and historical buildings.

Not only art lovers but everyone can find something here to suit his taste. Ghent offers a lot of shops, restaurants and exciting nightlife.

Ghent can be discovered by boat, carriage, bicycle or on foot.

The official language in Ghent is Dutch, but most people also speak French, English and/or German.

The Belgian currency unit is the Franc (BEF).

100 BEF = 2,4789 EUR / 1 EUR = 40,3399 BEF

There are a lot of exchange offices and banks in the city centre. Some of them are also open during the weekend.

Credit cards are accepted in most places.

History

One of Belgium’s oldest cities (first mentioned in the 7th cent.) and the historic capital of Flanders, Ghent developed around a fortress built (early 10th cent.) by the first count of Flanders on a small island. The town soon spread to nearby islets, still connected by numerous bridges. By the 13th cent. the city had become a major wool-producing center, rivaled only by Bruges and Ypres. Medieval Ghent was an industrial city in the modern sense. Its four chief guilds—weavers, fullers, shearers, and dyers—comprised the majority of the working population. Social conflict emerged between the workers and the rich bourgeoisie; strikes and insurrections were frequent. 3

After the Battle of the Spurs (1302), at Kortrijk, the guilds’ role in communal government increased rapidly, although not without opposition. A turbulent period of oligarchic rule followed, but the guilds regained power at the beginning (1337) of the Hundred Years War under Jacob van Artevelde and, later, Philip van Artevelde. The guilds continued to rule even after the French defeated and killed (1382) Philip van Artevelde at Rozebeke, and in 1385 the weavers made a favorable peace with Philip the Bold of Burgundy, who had inherited Flanders the previous year. Ghent retained its liberties and privileges until 1453, when, as a result of an unsuccessful rebellion, they were drastically curtailed by Philip the Good of Burgundy. 4

Rights were restored by the Great Privilege, promulgated (1477) by Mary of Burgundy. Mary’s marriage (1477) to Archduke Maximilian (later Emperor Maximilian I) was at Ghent; their children were kept virtual prisoners by the burghers after Mary’s death (1482). It was only in 1485 that Maximilian was able to overcome the rebellious city and obtain the release of his son Philip (later Philip I of Castile). Philip’s son, later Emperor Charles V, was born (1500) and raised in Ghent. In 1539 the city rose against Charles, who hastened to Flanders, suppressed (1540) the rebellion, abrogated Ghent’s liberties, and established a garrison to prevent further outbreaks. 5

Ghent later joined (1576) William the Silent in the revolt of the Netherlands and Flanders against Spain. The Pacification of Ghent, signed in November of the same year, was an alliance of the provinces of the Netherlands for the purpose of driving the Spanish from the country. For a time Ghent was a city-republic under Calvinist domination, but its capture (1584) by the Spanish under Alessandro Farnese restored it to Hapsburg rule, under which it remained until the French Revolution. The modern industrialization of the city began in the early 19th cent. with the development of its port and the establishment of textile factories. The city was occupied by the Germans in World Wars I and II.

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