Groot Kanon: Ghent's Silent Giant
A massive, never-fired 15th-century cannon in Ghent, known as 'Mad Meg,' standing as a silent witness to the city's vibrant history.
The Groot Kanon, also known as 'Dulle Griet' (Mad Meg), is a massive 15th-century cannon in Ghent, Belgium. Never fired, this cast-iron bombard now stands as a curious landmark on Grootkanonplein, a testament to the city's rich history and rebellious spirit.
A brief summary to Groot Kanon
- Grootkanonplein 19000, Ghent, BE
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the cannon's size and details.
- Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Dulle Griet café to sample a wide variety of Belgian beers.
- Take a stroll along the adjacent canal for picturesque views of Ghent.
Do you manage this location?
Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more
Activate your presenceOther nearby places you may find interesting
Getting There
-
Walking
From Korenmarkt, a central square in Ghent, walk north along the canal (towards Graslei). Continue onto Kraanlei, passing St Michael's Bridge. Turn left onto Burgstraat, then right onto Jan Breydelstraat. Turn right onto Grootkanonplein. The Groot Kanon will be visible on the square. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs involved.
-
Public Transport
From Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station, take tram 1 towards 'Evergem Brielken' or 'Wondelgem Industrieweg'. Get off at the Gravensteen stop. From there, walk along Jan Breydelstraat, then turn right onto Grootkanonplein. The Groot Kanon will be visible on the square. A single ticket costs €3 and is valid for 60 minutes, allowing changes between trams and buses.
-
Parking
If arriving by car, be aware that the city center is a Low Emission Zone (LEZ). Paid parking is available on Grootkanonplein. Monday to Saturday, parking is paid between 9:00 and 19:00. The first 20 minutes are free, then it costs €3.00 for 1 hour, €7.00 for 2 hours. Maximum parking time is 3 hours between 9:00 and 19:00. Parking is free on public holidays. Several other car parks are available within walking distance, such as Parking Ramen and Parking Sint-Michiels.
Discover more about Groot Kanon
Explore the best of what Groot Kanon has to offer
More about Ghent
Discover Ghent, Belgium's hidden gem, where medieval charm meets modern vibrancy. Explore stunning architecture, rich history, and a dynamic arts and culinary scene.
Tell me more about Ghent
