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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
House Kraanlei 81
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Kraanlei
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Kunsthal Gent
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Gravensteen
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Hoogpoort
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Grasbrug
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Ghent City Hall
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Sint-Jorishof
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Korenmarkt
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Design Museum Gent
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Wonen in klooster - Augustijnenklooster
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Town Hall
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Stadshal / City Pavilion
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Graslei
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Korenlei
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Unmissable attractions to see
Huis van Alijn
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Zuivelbrugstraat
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Patershol
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Vrijdagmarkt
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Jacob van Artevelde
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Dulle Griet
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Toreken
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't Dreupelkot
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Brouwbar
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Hof van Rijhove
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Calle Langemunt
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Kleine Vismarkt
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Groentenmarkt
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Werregarenstraat
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Sint-Veerleplein
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Essential places to dine
Souplounge
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De Acht Zaligheden
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Valentijn
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't Klokhuys
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Heritage
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Amadeus Gent 1 (Patershol)
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Vier Tafels
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Karel de Stoute
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Roots
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Frites Atelier | Gent
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Otomat Gent
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Restaurant De Rave
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Uncle Babe's
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Godot
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Louise & Madeleine
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Department Gent
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Wunderkammer Gent
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Vandezande - Martine
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Geschenken - Mus in een plas
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Bookz&Booze Gent
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CASA Gent Korenmarkt
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The Vault Gent
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HEMA
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L'AmuZette
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ICI PARIS XL
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C&A
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Houthuis Gent - Retro Shop
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tinedegroote
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Ydee Design House
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Zoo Cafe
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Jigger's
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Rococo
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Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant
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Hot Club de Gand
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Bar Lume
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Café Oud Patershol
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't Galgenhuis
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Bar Popular
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The mix
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White Cat
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De Alchemist
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Trollekelder
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Folklore
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Woody's
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