Groot Kanon, Ghent Travel Guide

Free Guide: A massive, never-fired 15th-century cannon in Ghent, known as 'Mad Meg,' standing as a silent witness to the city's vibrant history.

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A brief summary of Groot Kanon

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.

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Address: Grootkanonplein 19000, 9000 Gent

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.

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Overview

The Groot Kanon, a formidable yet silent sentinel, resides on Grootkanonplein in Ghent. Popularly known as 'Dulle Griet' (Mad Meg), this impressive cast-iron cannon weighs a staggering 12,500 kg. Despite its imposing size, the Groot Kanon was never actually fired in battle.Constructed between 1431 and 1448, the cannon was intended for use by the Dukes of Burgundy. However, it became more of a symbolic figure, eventually repurposed as a peculiar landmark. Over time, the cannon suffered neglect, becoming a receptacle for rubbish and, regrettably, a makeshift bed for inebriated individuals. To prevent further misuse, the barrel was permanently sealed.The 'Dulle Griet' nickname connects the cannon to a figure of Flemish folklore, immortalized in Pieter Bruegel the Elder's 1563 painting of the same name. Today, the Groot Kanon stands as a reminder of Ghent's rich, rebellious past, a city known for its independent spirit. Nearby, the café also named 'Dulle Griet' boasts over 250 types of Belgian beer, continuing the cannon's legacy in a more convivial fashion.

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