GHENT
THE BIRTHPLACE OF CHARLES V
Information
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One of the top cloth towns in Belgium [6].
Was once the 3rd biggest city in Europe (after Paris & Constantinople) [6].
Charles V was born here (1500) [6].
Citizens are known as ‘Stroppendragers’ in Belgium, which means ‘Rope Pullers’, due to the historic moment where Charles V humiliated the townsmen [6].
Ghent Festival
Hosts the annual ‘Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten), which is a 10 day festival of music, street-theatre, parties, and shows [6].
The festival starts on the Friday before the third Sunday of July.
This festival is one of the largest cultural events in Europe; attracting around 1.5 million people every year.
It has been running since 1843.
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Festival of Flanders
A mini version of the Ghent festival [6].
The festival occurs in the middle of September, and it comprises of concerts and fireworks [6].
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In 1540, the townsmen of Ghent refused to pay taxes to assist Charles V military campaign of France [6].
In result, the citizens lost some of their privileges, and the Guildsmen had to walk around the town with ‘nooses’ (the loop at the end of a rope) around their neck [6].
This moment of history commenced a long economic decline of the city, as the economical focus shifted to Antwerp [6].
In the early 19th century, Ghent’s economy had increased, through the engagement of the Industrial revolution (First town in Flanders) [6].
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The historical buildings were transformed into flax and cotton processing mills [6].
Now the city is the biggest university town in Flanders [6].
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Attractions
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Began construction in 1519, yet it was not completed until 1600 [6].
Now it’s a building for tourism [6].
Ghent’s stone castle [6].
Built in the 12th century, and was temporarily transformed into a cotton mill during the 19th century [6].
Built in the 14th century, at the height of 91 metres (350 steps to the top) [6].
The main attraction of the cathedral is the 1432 masterpiece ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’, which was designed by the Van Eyck Brothers [6].
It’s known in history to be the earliest oil painting [6].
The masterpiece comprises of 20 panels of artwork which have a biblical reference [6].
The main focus is a lamb being worshipped, which is to symbolise ‘Jesus’ (i.e. the lamb of God) [6].
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In its history, it was nearly destroyed by the ‘Calvinists’ (Protestant group) [6].
The Adam and Eve panels were replaced with ‘clothed’ panels (the originals are back) by the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph 2 who found it inappropriate [6].
It was taken to Paris during the French Revolution [6].
And it was stolen by the Germans during WWII who concealed the artwork in an Austrian salt mine [6].
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The original centre structure in which the town grew around [6].
Was once the nation’s biggest abbey [6].
Once the French revolutionary troops looted the church’s properties, the wealth diminished [6].
GUIDE
INFORMATION
One of the top cloth towns in Belgium [6].
Was once the 3rd biggest city in Europe (after Paris & Constantinople) [6].
Charles V was born here (1500) [6].
Citizens are known as ‘Stroppendragers’ in Belgium, which means ‘Rope Pullers’, due to the historic moment where Charles V humiliated the townsmen [6].
Ghent Festival
Hosts the annual ‘Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten), which is a 10 day festival of music, street-theatre, parties, and shows [6].
The festival starts on the Friday before the third Sunday of July.
This festival is one of the largest cultural events in Europe; attracting around 1.5 million people every year.
It has been running since 1843.
[expand title=””]
Festival of Flanders
A mini version of the Ghent festival [6].
The festival occurs in the middle of September, and it comprises of concerts and fireworks [6].
[/expand]
In 1540, the townsmen of Ghent refused to pay taxes to assist Charles V military campaign of France [6].
In result, the citizens lost some of their privileges, and the Guildsmen had to walk around the town with ‘nooses’ (the loop at the end of a rope) around their neck [6].
This moment of history commenced a long economic decline of the city, as the economical focus shifted to Antwerp [6].
In the early 19th century, Ghent’s economy had increased, through the engagement of the Industrial revolution (First town in Flanders) [6].
[expand title=””]
The historical buildings were transformed into flax and cotton processing mills [6].
Now the city is the biggest university town in Flanders [6].
[/expand]
ATTRACTIONS
Began construction in 1519, yet it was not completed until 1600 [6].
Now it’s a building for tourism [6].
Ghent’s stone castle [6].
Built in the 12th century, and was temporarily transformed into a cotton mill during the 19th century [6].
Built in the 14th century, at the height of 91 metres (350 steps to the top) [6].
The main attraction of the cathedral is the 1432 masterpiece ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’, which was designed by the Van Eyck Brothers [6].
It’s known in history to be the earliest oil painting [6].
The masterpiece comprises of 20 panels of artwork which have a biblical reference [6].
The main focus is a lamb being worshipped, which is to symbolise ‘Jesus’ (i.e. the lamb of God) [6].
[expand title=””]
In its history, it was nearly destroyed by the ‘Calvinists’ (Protestant group) [6].
The Adam and Eve panels were replaced with ‘clothed’ panels (the originals are back) by the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph 2 who found it inappropriate [6].
It was taken to Paris during the French Revolution [6].
And it was stolen by the Germans during WWII who concealed the artwork in an Austrian salt mine [6].
[/expand]
The original centre structure in which the town grew around [6].
Was once the nation’s biggest abbey [6].
Once the French revolutionary troops looted the church’s properties, the wealth diminished [6].
Ghent Experience
My experience of Ghent comprised of 2 nights. In my stay I got to explore the whole city and experience the Ghent Festival. In my opinion, Ghent is a very pleasant city. The centre is filled with many beautiful buildings and numerous canals, in which you can see people paddling and driving their boats. Although the city is small, it does provide enough elements to hold your attention, while giving you a relaxing atmosphere. Especially if you’ve just come from a big city like Brussels. However, if you do like a city with an atmosphere, then you should definitely visit the city during the Ghent festival, which lasts for 10 days! I was able to see 2 nights of the festival, and it was amazing! If I had more time, I would have stayed a couple more days. During the festival, the centre is filled with many acts; this includes theatre, dancing, music, magic, and stripping. I believe it’s worth seeing if you go to Europe in July. Overall, I really enjoyed Ghent, it’s my second favourite city of Belgium, and it’s a city that I recommend for you to travel too.
