Ghent, Belgium, Summer 2012

Ghent is one of the main cities in the Fleming region of Belgium. People have lived in the area since the Stone Age. Around the year 650 AD, two abbeys are started: St. Peter and St. Bavo. The Vikings sweep through to attach and plunder between the years of 851-879 AD. After that, there is relative calm and stability from the 10th-15th centuries. Ghent is the second largest city in Europe, only Paris is larger during those years. Its growth and prosperity are related to cloth making, becoming the most important city for wool cloth during the Middle Ages. So much wool is used, that they have to begin to import wool from England and Scotland.

During those prosperous years, many of the city’s signature buildings are built. The current Gravensteen Castle is completed in 1180, serving as the seat of the Counts of Flanders. Throughout its life span, the buildings become a courthouse and prison, eventually falling into disrepair. In 1885 the City of Ghent buys the property and renovates it to preserve the structure. Inside the castle, there is a museum of all types of torture devices and an actual guillotine that was used in Ghent. They are not shy about discussing how punishment was doled out during those days. Apparently, many people came to their end at Gravensteen. Other famous buildings on the city skyline are: St. Michael’s Bridge, the Belfry, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and St. Nicholas Church.

The people of Ghent still have a nickname used today: Stroppendragers, meaning noose bearers. The origin of the nickname dates back to the 1539 Revolt of Ghent. Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, even though a native son to Ghent, decided to punish the nobles for their revolt against the Holy Roman Empire. Charles V declares that all nobles must wear a noose around their necks and parade barefoot in front of him when he comes to visit. Apparently the people of Ghent still enjoy the nickname; wearing nooses around their necks at festivals and holidays. Tourists can buy the ropes in gift shops around town and join in the fun.

Ghent, though located inland, had river access to the Atlantic, but by the end of the 1500’s the river was no longer passable to large ships. The area continues to decline during the Religious Wars and by the end of the 17th century, the city is of little international importance. Textiles do make a comeback, and canals built reestablish access to the sea. Ghent is now the 3rd largest port in Belgium.

The Treaty of Ghent was signed here formally ending the War of 1812 between the United States and England. During WW I and WW II, Germany occupies the city, however, Ghent suffers very little destruction. Today Ghent is a nice mix of old and new, ancient intact structures from the Middle Ages are great for tourists. Ghent cannot be called a museum town as industry plays a major role in the current economy along with the fine arts, culinary and technology. The public transport system includes 5 train stations, a series of trams and busses that connect all areas of the city. Many people use bicycles to access other forms of transportation, hence the giant bike parking lots!

Some famous people from Ghent include: St. Bavo, Charles V Holy Roman Emperor and a very recent famous person: Bradley Wiggins who was born in Ghent.