Getting to Ghent, Belgium

The train from Brussels Central travels directly to Ghent, Belgium.  Depending on your plans, the same ticket to Brugge will allow you to get off at Ghent and then back on again. You can do this in either direction of travel.  From the train station, you can catch a bus into the old city centre.

Ghent

Ghent, Belgium has developed a great deal since it was established.  The old town centre remains, but is surrounded by modern development, most of which is not very pretty.  We took a bus from the railway station into the city.  The journey was around 20 minutes and passed through suburbs that could be from any modern western city.

The centre of town has also been affected by modernisation as well.  Overhead electric power for the trams are everywhere and greatly diminish the beauty of the old buildings.  It is possible to get a few good views without them in the way, but they seem to be everywhere.  Many of the buildings also had mobile coffee and snack vans outside.  Great if you want a quick drink, but it does nothing for the view.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral

Our first stop was the magnificent St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal).  The vaulted ceilings and columns really must be seen.  Don’t forget the altar setting, of the Adoration of the Lamb.  There is a replica on display, but the original is kept in a separate room, where you pay to see it.

Saint Nicholas Church

Another great religious building is Saint Nicholas Church.  This is a beautiful building, inside and out.  Make sure to walk around the outside to see the view from the rear.  You can also get some powerline free shots from here.

City Centre

One of the great attractions of Ghent, is the city centre’s old buildings.  There are many of them and as you walk around you get to experience and appreciate them.

Gravensteen Castle

Right in the centre of town is Gravensteen Castle.  Great views from the top and some good displays of weapons, armour and torture devices (if you’re into that).

What did we think?

We really enjoyed the churches and cathedrals and the old buildings.  However, the power lines for the trams and the food stalls obscuring the old buildings were very disappointing. It is worth a visit, but if you have to choose between Ghent and Brugge, we would choose the latter.