Gent

The historic city of Gent.

Gent (also written as Ghent) is one of the important historical, cultural and economic centres of Belgium. It is a very old city, dating back to the Middle Ages. In medieval times it was one of the main and most powerful cities of Europe. Its first rival was the city of Bruges with which it fought numerous bloody wars. Gent (Ghent) was then, and still is, a very active industrial city.

By the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century Gent (Ghent) had become one of the economically most powerful and culturally important cities of the Spanish Kingdom. Flanders (now the Flemish speaking part of Belgium) was a Spanish province then. The Spanish king Charles V (Emperor Charles or "Carlos") was born and grew up in this Flemish city and actually only spoke Flemish. When he occupied the Spanish throne in 1515 he had to learn Spanish. This shows the importance the city.

Now Gent (Ghent) is still culturally, socially and economically very thriving. It is the capital of the Belgian province of Oost-Vlaanderen (East Flanders). It has a renowned university and is also known for its yearly film festival. The city centre has a unique atmosphere with many old and historical buildings, museums, churches and castles. The city's medieval past can still be felt en seen there!

Easy Escapes to Europe: Hotels from $99

Cybercafés in Belgium

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