Historic facades at the Graslei in Gent, Belgium
Gent (or Ghent in English) is the third city of Belgium, after Brussels and Antwerp. But despite its size, the historic centre is unexpectedly cosy. It was once a stronghold of power in the region, strategically situated on where the river Leie and Schelde meet.
Despite being more than 50 kilometres from the sea, Gent has a busy sea harbour. A canal to Terneuzen on the Westerschelde delta in the Netherlands connects ocean going ships to the quays of Gent.
The rich history of Gent can be best enjoyed in the city centre, which is excellent for a stroll - like mine in August 2024.
For some reason this street is called Klein Turkije (Little Türkiye), with the Saint Nicholas' Church on the left
View at the historic buildings at the Kraanlei
The Zuivelbrug bridge
The Leie river seen from the Zuivelbrug bridge
Historic buildings on the river Leie
A classic shot in the historic centre of Gent, with from left to right the former post office, the St. Nicholas' Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo's Cathedral
The Graslei is a magnet for tourists, but a beautiful one.
Castle Gravensteen
Built by Philip of Alsace, castle Gravensteen dates back all the way to the year 1180. Word has it that Philip not only wanted for Gent to have proper defence works, he also wanted to intimidate its citizens and discourage them from revolting against him. For almost two centuries, Gravensteen ("The Count's Stone") was the residence of ... well, the Count of Flanders. In the centuries that followed the castle became a prison, a cotton mill and touristic landmark - which it still is nowadays.
