This town was one of the most important in Europe from 1000 to 1550. By the end of the sixteenth century though things were sliding downhill as Ghent lost its access to the sea. Two centuries later things picked up when the city's university was founded and Ghent became a seaport again.
Luckily Ghent was spared any serious damage from the two world wars so it's historical heritage remained intact.
Like Bruges, the canal system makes for a picture perfect setting.
The cathedral.
One of the must sees of the city is 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb'. This is on display in the cathedral.
This is the Castle of the Counts. It was also used as a prison. We toured it and the most interesting part was the display of tools used for torture! Pretty grim...
The view of Ghent from the ramparts of the castle.
And of course a perfect way to finish the day before heading back to Bruges for dinner. We leave Bruges tomorrow morning for Amsterdam.
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