Air Port in the heart of Belgium, leads us on a tour of its streets, the same port and below the confluence of two rivers. Both the Scheldt (the largest in Belgium) and Lys, its great tributary. The city of Ghent in his past, came to compete with himself in full medieval Paris (between centuries XIII and XV) as the major European metropolis, the commercial importance of these river highways. And its two large springs and Korenlei Graslei, which gave him a genuine maritime atmosphere despite being in the heart of historic Flanders (55 kilometers from the North Sea).

Photography by richardfdez

After his moment of greatest glory and the ever hard journey across the desert of history, the birthplace of Spanish King Carlos I (first monarch of the House of Austria) has awakened from its slumber driven by its historical legacy. A cultural boom in air covered student and architectural heritage makes it one of the largest outdoor museums in Flanders. Ghent has 240,000 inhabitants, of whom 50,000 are university graduates, as well as 74 parks, pedestrian areas as well in the center and numerous bars where you can taste up to 250 different beers. Being held in the month of July the big party (Gentse Feesten) with free concerts, more than 700 plays, exhibitions, guided tours and fireworks.

Photography by massygo

We begin our tour Korenmarkt, generous square in the heart of the city, with beautiful urban choreography cars, bicycles, buses, trams and pedestrians, all flowing in perfect harmony. Since it or better still, from the majestic Bridge of San Miguel, offers one of the best postcards of Ghent: its trio of towers perfectly aligned. The first is that of St. Nicholas, whose church has survived two fires and conversion during the French Revolution. The second, the Belfort (with the public from 10 am to 6 pm), bell warning against the dangers facing citizens. From where we have the best panoramic view of downtown, and commissioning of its 44 bells, which gives us seductive melodies. And the third is the Cathedral of St. Bavo (open to the public attention from 8.30 to 18.00, Sundays from 13.00 to 18.00), which holds the greatest jewel of Ghent: The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a masterpiece of the brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck and the Flemish school. The entire work is presented as a polyptych 24 panel, though the scene of worship is the key, with a naturalist perspective innovative for its time. In this cathedral can also admire a great work of Rubens, «The Calling of St Bavo.

Stop for a snack:

As soon as you eat in Flanders, it is time to open mouth with a very special tapas served on Sundays in the nearby square Kouter. There, a high round tables are invited to stop and chat while sipping a half or a dozen oysters washed down with a good wine. The square itself is clothed in striking colors to accommodate a daily flower market (from 7.00 to 13.00). Returning to the shore of the Lys back to the center in search of a good restaurant or a more casual meal, with typical products of Flanders, in the Lonja (Groentenmarkt, 7; open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00), Old Market of meat. A little further north is the Vrigdagmark, historic square where the grand celebrations were held. The esplanade concentrates various attractions: a large cast iron cannon next to the XV century that all are photographed, the most popular stop chips of Ghent, Jozef, dating from 1898, and the flea market on Fridays and Saturdays.

Photography by Matthew Black

Continue… Part II – Travel Port in the heart of Belgium