Ghent

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.