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Ghent (Gent) is a beautiful historic city in Belgium that lies between Bruges, Antwerp and Brussels. Ghent was the ancient capital of the County of Flanders, and, in the Middle Ages, between the 11th and 13th centuries, it was one of the largest and richest cities in northern Europe, Ghent’s fortune was the processing of wool and fabrics.
The medieval historic center, excellently restored and preserved, is largely pedestrianised. Among the main attractions is the marvelous Cathedral of St. Bavo (Sint-Baafskathedraal) which houses masterpieces by Rubens and Van Eyck, including the Polyptych of the Mystic Lamb by Van Eyck, one of the absolute masterpieces of Flemish painting of the fifteenth century.
Other top-notch buildings are the Belfry of Ghent (Belfort van Gent), the Three Beguinages (Begijnhof), Gravensteen Castle and the beautiful architecture along the old port of Graslei. The beguinages, the bell tower, the nearby cloth palace (Lakenhal) and the old prison (Mammelokker) have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most popular event of Christmas in Ghent (Gent) is the Christmas market that fills the cathedral square of this beautiful city in Flanders.
GHENT CHRISTMAS MARKET
1) Ghent Christmas Market (Kerstmarkt Gent – Gentse Winterfeesten). The Ghent Christmas Market is usually held in the St. Baafsplein, in Klein Turkije and in the Korenmarkt, in these areas of the city center the approximately 130 wooden houses of the market are hosted. Ghent city center is transformed into a winter wonderland. The St. Baafsplein hosts the spectacular St. Bavo Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) which houses masterpieces by Rubens and Van Eyck, and where the stalls of local artisans and merchants are located with Christmas decorations, objects for gifts and local cuisine specialities.
The Christmas festivities are also cheered up by songs, jazz music, folk performances, skating lovers have a large ice rink at their disposal. The skating rink is usually located under the Town Hall while the Ferris wheel is located in front of the Cathedral of St. Bavo, from here you can admire Ghent from above. At the grain market (Korenmarkt) you can visit a Christmas market with international exhibitors. There is also a real forest and you can of course have a snack and a drink.