Patershol: A Timeless Tapestry in the Heart of Ghent

• HelloHallo
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeGraag
  [khrahkh]
• Thank youDank u
  [dahnk oo]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hoo khaht het]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [khut. en met yow]
• Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?
  [sprekht oo engels]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ihk buh-khreyp het neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [ihk zow khrahkh duh me-nuh-kahrt seen, ahl-stuu-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ihk eht khayn vleys]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [ihk zow khrahkh vee-luhn buh-tah-luhn, ahl-stuu-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [gha wekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dokh-tuhr]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ihk ben vuhr-dwahlt]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ihk ben zik]

• I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag kopen...
  [ihk zow khrahkh koh-puhn]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ihk kheik ah-leyn mahr]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-vehl kohst het]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [daht is tuh dyoor]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt oo duh prays vuh-rah-khun]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn uhr]
• Half past (10)Half tien
  [hahlf teen]
• MorningOchtend
  [ohkh-tuhnt]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mi-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-tuh-ruhn]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-khuhn]
• 1Eén
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [twey]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [fayf]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zeh-vuhn]
• 8Acht
  [ahkht]
• 9Negen
  [nay-ghun]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [wahr is ayn/dey]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij dat tonen (op de kaart)?
  [kunt oo may daht toh-nuhn (op duh kahrt)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [vahn-ayr is duh fohl-ghuhn-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)
  [ayn ticket (nahr)]

The neighbourhood of Patershol dates back to the Middle Ages, with its name derived from the term 'Patershol', meaning 'Fathers' Hole' in reference to the Franciscan monks who established their presence here. This area was primarily a residential zone for the clergy and wealthy merchants, reflecting its historical significance in Ghent's early urban development.

During the 13th to 15th centuries, Ghent became a hub of the textile industry, significantly impacting Patershol. The neighbourhood was home to numerous weavers and merchants who benefitted from the prosperous wool trade. This period saw the construction of many of the area's iconic buildings, showcasing the wealth and influence of its residents.

The late 18th century brought turmoil to Ghent, including Patershol, as the French Revolution reshaped the socio-political landscape. The confiscation of church properties and the secularization of monastic lands led to changes in the neighbourhood's demographic and architectural character, as many religious buildings were repurposed or fell into disrepair.

During World War II, Ghent, including Patershol, endured occupation and destruction. Post-war recovery efforts were aimed at revitalizing the neighbourhood, which had suffered from neglect. The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a gradual restoration of Patershol's historic buildings and an influx of artists and young professionals, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub.

In recent years, Patershol has emerged as a focal point for Ghent's cultural scene, hosting festivals, art exhibitions, and culinary events. The preservation of its medieval architecture, combined with modern artistic ventures, has attracted both locals and tourists, making it a beloved destination that embodies the historical and cultural richness of Ghent.

Patershol is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Ghent. From the city center, you can walk to Patershol in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, take tram line 1 or 2 to the 'Korenmarkt' stop, and then it's a short walk to the neighborhood. If you're coming from the train station, you can take tram line 4 towards 'Melle' and get off at 'Korenmarkt' as well.

Patershol is a compact neighborhood, making it ideal for exploration on foot. Bicycles are a popular mode of transport in Ghent, and you can rent one from various rental shops. Public transport options include trams and buses, which operate regularly throughout the city. Taxis and rideshares are also available for longer distances or when you're tired from walking.

Patershol is generally a safe area for tourists. However, like many urban environments, it's wise to stay alert, especially in crowded areas. Avoid wandering alone late at night, particularly in less populated streets. While there are no specific high-crime areas in Patershol, petty theft can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for urgent assistance in Belgium. For non-urgent matters, you can contact the local police station or the nearest hospital. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available in the area for minor health concerns.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking as the cobblestone streets can be uneven. Avoid overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting any nearby churches. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and don't forget to be polite to drivers and fellow passengers. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Goedendag'. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local specialties like waterzooi or a Belgian beer at a café. Don't eat while walking in the streets; it's considered impolite.

To experience Patershol like a local, take the time to explore its narrow streets and hidden courtyards. Visit the local eateries and small shops that offer unique crafts and specialties. Join in on community events or festivals if they coincide with your visit. Don't forget to check out the historical architecture, including the medieval buildings and the Gravensteen Castle nearby.