Historic Ghent: Gravensteen Castle, Belfry & St. Bavo’s Cathedral

At the start of the tour, the fairytale-looking Gravensteen Castle, surrounded by a moat, reveals the sinister yet interesting past when Ghent’s medieval ruler, Counts of Flanders, used the site as a barbaric prison. Today, the most attractive icon of the city is still in a great preservation state and houses a unique museum of dungeons and torturing tools for which another visit to explore is highly recommended.

Continue to visit The House of Alijn in the cozy cobblestoned Patershol Quarter, which used to accommodate textile workers in the 15th century. The highlight of the museum which was once a hospice for sick children is not its exhibitions but a lovely courtyard garden and a typical working-class pub secluded behind a group of quaint houses, adding to the nostalgic beauty of the place.

Then, head to the true center of Ghent where its 14th-century City Hall prominently stands as the hub of the community witnessing historical events as well as important moments of its citizens. Its grand façade is a cocktail of architectural styles and laden with intricate details, most notably the sober sculptures of the Counts of Flanders.

A stone’s throw away is the towering silhouette of the Ghent Belfry, built onto the Cloth Hall in the flamboyant Brabant Gothic style. For centuries, the stunning tower, recognized by UNESCO, has served as the town’s clock, treasury, and watchtower by the side of the hall which is an ode to the cloth industry once thriving in the city.

Just opposite is St. Bavo's Cathedral, the oldest church in the heart of Ghent. But the town’s symbol of wealth in medieval times is another church nearby: St. Nicholas' Church, which defines the Ghent’s skyline, together with the cathedral and the belfry. Its opulent façade displays a harmonious mixture of Romanesque and the Flemish Gothic style.

Behind the church lies the Korenmarkt Square, the heart of the Old Town beating with its vibrant rhythm. The bustling neighborhood offers the best of both worlds with its attractive blend of old-world charms, including the imposing former post-office building and quaint artisan shops, and the modern conveniences of numerous cafés, restaurants, and outdoor markets.

Make a perfect end to the tour capturing breathtaking views in all directions and great photography opportunities from the viewpoint of Saint Michael's Bridge. The historic stonework spans the Leie River at the most strategic spot with the sober-looking Saint Michael's Church and picturesque Wheat Quay on one end and the scenic Grass Quay and Old Town’s center on the other.