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The beautiful city of
Ghent, at the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers, is
Belgium’s fourth-largest city with a population of around
250,000. The picturesque squares in the city centre, with their
early Flemish architecture, bear witness to the fact that
medieval Ghent was Europe’s second largest city after Paris.
Although less famous than Brussels or Bruges, the university
city and capital of Belgium's Oost-Vlaandered is well worth a
visit. With its young student population, it has become somewhat
of a cultural centre and also has a lively nightlife.
Impressive, well-preserved and restored architecture abounds:
the imposing St. Bavo Cathedral, the awe-inspiring Castle of the
Counts and the much photographed three towers of Ghent to name
but three attractions. The famous Museum voor Schone Kunst
houses many works by Flemish masters. Ghent also has an
important port reached by ocean-going vessels along the
Ghent-Terneuzen Canal. And it is Belgium’s flower city. Blossoms
are exported to all corners of the world from Ghent and the
'Gentse Floraliën (Ghent Flower Show) held every five years is a
horticulturalists’ delight.
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