Ghent in Flanders, Belgium

Fourth largest city, an important cultural and trade centre

Ghent, Belgium's fourth largest city with about 250,000 inhabitants, is the real diamond of Flanders and Belgium. Ghent has managed to preserve its medieval power while keeping up with modern times. Ghent's city centre is a showcase of medieval Flemish wealth and commercial success, whilst modern Ghent has an important harbour, which links to the sea via the Ghent-Terneuzen canal and a network of other canals, allowing sea-going vessels to reach city and the industrial areas around Ghent.

Ghent is also the chief textile and banking centre of Belgium. Other products of the city include metals, chemicals, paper, processed food and motor vehicles.

Ghent is an episcopal seat, has a university founded 1816 and numerous museums. The Belgian State University is an increasingly important educational centre, and the presence of so many young people and students has made Ghent an important Flemish cultural centre.

It is also the trade centre of a major flower and bulb producing region. Flower growers from all around Ghent sell begonias and azaleas the world over, and every 5 years the popular Ghent Flower Show attracts thousands to the city.

The city is famous for its many historic, beautiful medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the ruins of the Abbey of St. Bavo founded 631 and the imposing castle of the counts of Flanders, dating from 867. The Cathedral of St. Bavon dates from the 10th century, and many other buildings date from the 14th and 16th centuries including the cloth weavers' hall, the unfinished belfry and the churches of St. Nicholas and St. James.

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