Ghent (Belgium): description, history and attractions

Ghent (Belgium), whose photo is presented below, is the third largest city in the state. According to historical information, it was founded in the ninth century. Since that time, he has experienced far more than one economic rise and fall, having turned into one of the most important industrial centers of the country these days. In the local traditions and numerous ancient monuments, the memory of the past days of power and glory is carefully preserved. It is not surprising that local attractions attract annually crowds of tourists, most of whom are happy to return here again at least once.

Short story

As already noted above, in the ninth century the city of Ghent was founded. Belgium at that time was the object of constant attacks. In this regard, Earl of Baudouin I founded a fortress here, which was supposed to protect local abbey from Viking raids. Some time later, villages appeared around it. In the 11th century, Ghent became the center of the region. Here flourished textile industry, handicraft and lace production. The period of the 14th-15th centuries was the epoch of the greatest dawn and economic power for the city. In 1817, with the support of King William I, a university appeared here. Another 10 years later, the Ghent-Trenesion Canal was laid, through which the city is connected to the North Sea. This, in turn, contributed to the emergence of the port and led to rapid further economic growth of the entire region. Today, its annual turnover reaches 25 million tons.

Geographical position

The capital of the province of East Flanders is the city of Ghent (Belgium is divided into ten such administrative units). It was erected at the confluence of the rivers Scheldt and Leia. At approximately the same distance from it (less than 50 kilometers) is the capital of the country, Brussels, and one of its most famous cities is Bruges. Such a convenient geographical position contributed to the rapid development of Ghent. As of today, about 250 thousand inhabitants live here. By population, it is the third in the country.

Nature and climate

A unique in its kind nature and unique landscapes primarily determines the area where Ghent is located. Belgium as a whole is a very green country. However, this city definitely can not be said. When you look at it from a height, you can see unless there are sharp pinnacles and tiled roofs. Together with this, the locals are very fond of flowers, so decorate the streets with colorful flower beds.

High humidity and frequent rains - this is the main feature of the weather, which distinguishes Ghent. Belgium in this regard throughout the year is under the influence of air masses that come from the Atlantic Ocean. The climate that dominates the city itself refers to a temperate marine type. Hot heat in the city does not happen almost never. In the summer period, the thermometer bars on average are around 18 degrees, and in winter - 3 degrees above zero. As evidenced by the reviews of tourists who have visited here, the spring-summer season is an ideal time for visiting it.

Tourism and sightseeing

Walking along the local streets, every tourist can experience a unique atmosphere that has been created for centuries. Many lovers of quiet and cultural rest just for the sake of it come to Ghent. Belgium, whose attractions many travelers associate with Bruges, is the country that is best visited in the spring-summer season. In connection with a solid age, Ghent is one of the richest in Europe in terms of the number of architectural and historical monuments. Enumerate all of them will have a very long time, therefore further only the most significant among them are presented.

In 1180 the Flanders' graphs erected a castle for themselves. According to their ideas, he looked ominous and gloomy. This was done in order to protect the city and frighten off independent thinkers who often raised uprisings against their masters.

Almost the most significant attraction is the Cathedral of St. Bavo. It is named in honor of one of the local landowners, who, during his lifetime, was numbered among the saints for generous assistance to destitute people and the ministry of the church. In the architecture of the building, Romanesque and Gothic architecture intertwined with the Baroque style. The main highlight of the cathedral was the 1432-year-old altarpiece of the famous artist Jan van Eyck "The Ghent Altar".

The belltower (Belfort), which is a majestic monument in the Gothic style that rises to 90 meters, is one of the attractions that almost all tourists want to see in Ghent. Belgium in the Middle Ages was part of the Burgundy duchy. The building was built in 1425 to save the document, to which Gent was granted city status. Later, important securities were also stored here, which confirmed the trade and tax privileges of local guilds. In addition, from the time to the present day, the bell plays an important role in alerting residents to important events.

Other interesting monuments are the City Hall, which is decorated with Gothic sculptures and reliefs, as well as the Sint-Jorishof Palace, where the marriage of Maximilian of Austria and Mary of Burgundy took place. Mandatory visits are the streets of Gras-lei and Koren-lei, on which are located the most beautiful buildings of the city. One can not but note the presence in Ghent of a lot of museums.