Gent, City of Arts and History

Short overview of the historical city center of Gent (Belgium), prominent Flemish Arts City and home to Belgium's largest University, nominated third most authentic historical destination worldwide according to a poll on 280 eminent academic experts initiated by the Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations and published in the prestigious National Geographic Traveler Magazine, known for its attractive photography and in-depth travel journalism, Ghent appears preeminently on the list, ranking third on 109 of the most authentic travel destinations worldwide with a score of 81 as the only Belgian city to comply with the strict criteria of historical authenticity and uniqueness as well as the ability to harmonize a rich cultural heritage with a lively local community. Ghent is preceded only by Austria's Wachau Valley and the area around the Rideau Canal in Ontario, Canada. Ghent is, however, the highest ranking city on the list. This is praise indeed as Ghent has done better than such prestigious destinations as Lyon, York, Dublin, Istanbul, Cape Town and Munich.
The report further highlights:
"An interesting range of cultural experiences: churches, medieval castle, museums and rich painting collections, well-preserved and -presented."
"A gloriously eclectic city, with an excellent mix of old and new buildings. Needs to work on interpretation and signing to explain and thus help conserve its treasures. Much improved fabric."
"Unlike its neighbour Bruges, Ghent has retained the character of a functioning city rather than an open-air museum."
"Aesthetic appeal is high particularly because the city has not turned into a mono-economy of tourism."

(Source: National Geographic)

check out : Best of both worlds in Ghent (Belgium) By Sean Rocha - CNN Travel
http://articles.cnn.com/2010-10-13/travel/travel.ghent.belgium_1_graslei-brug...

Category:

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• destination

[blowupthosepigs]

I live in north of france 50km from this town, but discover it only few mounth ago, i was totally charmed like i was when visiting edimburgh scotland, a unique medieval place to visit for shure, wherever you came from...

[wurzel27]

Respect. I live in Gent & can confirm that you have filmed the essential (touristically) of the city. Some nice but hidden places are however lacking.

[tomclaes3]

fake

[forgetmenot1213]

OMG...it's an awesome place, I so love it. wish one day i have a chance/opportunity to visit. Thanks for sharing your awesome place, highly appreciated :)

[TheRainbowGoats]

love ghent

[MrSampsonchan]

stayed in a hotel in Ghent but never been to the city area. big miss. Thx for sharing

[Mrchucknorris1111]

I was born in Ghent, live in Canada, but grew up in Belgium. I can feel it in my soul when I see those pictures

[gbohol]

I love Gent. I will live here someday.

[briekyboy]

I also live in Gent!! 1:40 There at the water is where I first kissed my girlfriend, very romantic

[czechivan]

I LOve Belgium greetings from czech republic

[malinkata1984]

Love this city - have so great memories from living there :* :)

[BelgianMusic]

@blowupthosepigs There's a lot of hidden gems like that here in Belgium, sadly most people only know Brussels - not exactly our crown jewel. If you're ever in the neighbourhood be sure to visit Leuven (Louvain) as well, and of course Antwerp (Anvers) - my favourite cities in Belgium.