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Gedenkplaat Pieter Van Gent (Pedro de Gante)

A tribute in Ghent to Pieter Van Gent (Pedro de Gante), a Flemish missionary who shaped education in 16th-century Mexico. Discover his legacy.

A memorial plaque in Ghent commemorating Pieter Van Gent (Pedro de Gante), a Flemish Franciscan missionary who significantly impacted education and culture in 16th-century Mexico. Located on Koophandelsplein, it serves as a reminder of Ghent's historical connections to the New World.

A brief summary to Gedenkplaat Pieter Van Gent (Pedro de Gante)

  • Koophandelsplein 2, Ghent, 9000, BE

Local tips

  • Take a moment to appreciate the architecture of the Oud Gerechtsgebouw (former Justice Palace) that stands near the memorial plaque.
  • Explore the Koophandelsplein, a lively square with cafes and shops, offering a taste of local Ghent culture.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Kouter area, known for its flower market and historic buildings.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the central Kouter area, walk southwest towards the intersection of Kouter and Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat. Continue straight on Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat until the next major intersection. Turn left onto Koophandelsplein. The Gedenkplaat Pieter Van Gent is located at number 2 on the right. The walk takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take a tram or bus to the Koophandelsplein (Zonnestraat) stop, which is the closest to the Gedenkplaat. From the stop, the plaque is a short walk away on Koophandelsplein. A single fare for a short trip is around €2.50.

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Discover more about Gedenkplaat Pieter Van Gent (Pedro de Gante)

The Gedenkplaat Pieter Van Gent, located on the Koophandelsplein in Ghent, Belgium, stands as a tribute to Pedro de Gante (Peter van Gent), a remarkable figure in the history of both Belgium and Mexico. Born in Ghent around 1480, Pieter Van Gent was a Franciscan missionary who played a pivotal role in the early Christianization and education of the indigenous population in New Spain (Mexico). Pedro de Gante, also known as Pedro de Muro, arrived in Mexico in 1523 and dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to missionary work. He is credited with founding the first school in the Americas, the School of San Jose de los Naturales, where he taught reading, writing, music, and Catholic doctrine to indigenous children. De Gante's approach to education was deeply rooted in understanding and respecting the local culture; he learned Nahuatl, the Aztec language, and composed Christian texts in it. The memorial plaque in Ghent, created by architect Valentin Vaerwyck and sculptor Geo Verbanck, was unveiled on June 13, 1948. It features a portrait medallion of Pedro de Gante and two coats of arms, serving as a lasting reminder of his legacy. The Koophandelsplein, where the plaque is located, is a bustling city square near the Oud Gerechtsgebouw (former Justice Palace), making it an accessible and meaningful site for reflection. Visiting this tribute offers a chance to connect with a piece of Ghent's history and appreciate the profound impact of one of its native sons on a distant land.

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