The Flower City of Belgium

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The Flower City of Belgium - By: Douglas Scott, Posted on: 2007-06-07

Ghent is the capital and biggest city of the East Flanders province. Ghent is the fourth largest city of Belgium with about 250.000 inhabitants. The city started as a settlement at the confluence of the Rivers Lys and Scheldt and became in the Middle Ages one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe.

It is a busy city with a port and a university. The city is connected to the sea by the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal. Much of the city's medieval architecture remains intact and is remarkably well preserved and restored

Ghent is also the flower city of Belgium. Flower growers from all the regions around Ghent sell their beautiful begonia's and azalea's all over the world. Every five years the successful Gentse Floralien attracts thousands to the city.

In Ghent sell a donut-shaped bun called a mastel. Mastellen are also called Saint Hubert bread, because on the Saint's feast day, which is 3 November. The bakers bring their batches to the early Mass to be blessed. Traditionally, it is thought that blessed mastellen immunize against rabies

Ghent has cobbled streets, canals, gabled houses, two castles and five abbeys.

The city of Ghent is not to be missed at night, with its monuments and historic buildings, the vibrant areas are all illuminated for you to wonder the streets by foot.

The fact that Ghent is home to a very large university the night life here is very vibrant and typical of any other Belgium city. You can find many places to eat and drink in the Patershol district as well as Bidj Den Wizjen en den Zot and around the Three Tower.

One of the most photographed and famous attractions of Ghent is the Three Towers of Ghent, which is surrounded by the amazing gothic architecture found in the neo gothic style Post Office, the Saint Baaf Cathedral, St Nicholas Church, the Belfry, and various other striking buildings and monuments.

The Castle of the Counts Cultural Attraction located at Sint-Veerleplein was built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders. The Gravensteen was the centre of the Count's power during the early Middle Ages, and from tower there is a panoramic view over the city. The castle has been restored and is still partially surrounded by the medieval moat. It also houses a weapon museum and a museum of instruments of torture, from the days when the castle was used as a prison.

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Douglas Scott writes for The Car Hire Specialist. and is a writer for The Ghent Rental Site