The heart of historic Ghent is undoubtedly the imposing Gravensteen Castle, whose name in Flemish means "Castle of the Counts. This massive fortress, built in the 11th-12th centuries, was the seat of the Counts of Flanders and a symbol of their power. Walking around its stone walls, you can almost hear the echoes of medieval intrigues and power struggles. The castle was built by Count Philip of Alsace, who was inspired by the Teutonic fortresses he saw during the Crusades. Fascinatingly, Gravensteen was not only a seat of power, but also a place where death sentences were carried out - inside you can see medieval torture instruments that evoke the darker aspects of that era.

The castle's walls offer a breathtaking view of the city's skyline, providing a glimpse of how harmoniously Ghent blends its medieval past with the present. Although Gravensteen fell into disrepair over the centuries and was even used as a factory, it was restored in the late 19th century and today is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe.

Not far from the castle rises the majestic St. Bavon's Cathedral, a true gem of Gothic religious architecture. This building, whose origins date back to the 11th century, hides in its interior a true treasure of medieval art - the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers. This monumental work, completed in 1432, is considered the most outstanding medieval artistic work and is considered a landmark in the development of European painting. It consists of 24 panels depicting biblical scenes, and its central motif is the adoration of the Mystical Lamb. A fascinating fact is that one of the altarpiece's panels - 'Righteous Judges' - was stolen in 1934 and has not been found to this day, making it one of the most sought-after works of art in the world.

St. Bavon's Cathedral was also the site of the baptism of King Charles V, one of the most powerful rulers in European history, who was just born in Ghent. His relationship with the city was not always peaceful, however - when residents rebelled against high taxes, the emperor severely punished them, forcing his most ardent opponents to walk through the city barefoot, with nooses around their necks. This event, known as the Stroppendragers, is still commemorated today during the annual Gentse Feesten art festival, demonstrating how deeply history is ingrained in the identity of Ghent's residents.

Complementing the city's medieval landscape is the impressive Ghent Bell Tower (Belfort), which, along with the adjacent Cloth Hall, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 91-meter tower, whose construction began in the 14th century, was a symbol of the city's independence and power. A gilded dragon was placed on top of it, which became the emblem of the city. According to local legend, this dragon is supposed to guard the city and warn of danger. The climb to the top of the bell tower, though challenging, rewards you with one of the most beautiful views of Ghent's historic center.

Ghentau, like many Flemish cities, owes its prosperity to its location on the rivers and canals that for centuries formed the region's commercial artery. A stroll along the waterfront of the Korenlei is a true journey back in time, admiring some of Ghent's most magnificent facades, formerly owned by powerful merchant guilds. These richly decorated townhouses with their distinctive stepped gables are a testament to the wealth the city amassed through the grain and cloth trade. Each of these facades tells its own story - some are decorated with the symbols of craft guilds, others with the coats of arms of wealthy merchant families.

The best way to appreciate the beauty of these historic buildings is to look at them from the perspective of the water. Cruises on Ghent's canals offer a unique glimpse of the city and allow you to see architectural details that escape traditional sightseeing. From the deck of the boat you can admire not only the facades of the Korenlei, but also see from a different perspective the Gravensteen Castle, whose walls rise almost directly from the water, which further strengthened its defensive character.

Not far from Korenlei is the bustling Korenmarkt (Grain Market), which has been the city's commercial center since the Middle Ages. It was here that merchants from all over Europe came to trade in grain, which was one of Ghent's main exports. Today the square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, but its historic atmosphere remains unchanged. It is dominated by the imposing bulk of St. Nicholas Church, one of the oldest churches in the city, whose construction began in the 13th century.

St. Nicholas Church in Ghent is a magnificent example of Schelden Gothic architecture, characteristic of the Flanders region. Its massive tower and richly decorated facade contrast with the austere but mystical interior. The temple was particularly important to Ghent merchants, who chose St. Nicholas as their patron saint. In the Middle Ages, the church served more than just religious functions - its tower held the documents of merchant guilds, and its bells warned residents of fires and other dangers.

One of Ghent's most picturesque landmarks is Saint Michael's Bridge (St. Michael's Bridge), which offers a view many call the 'postcard of Ghent'. From here you can simultaneously view the city's three medieval towers: the bell tower, the tower of St. Bavon's Cathedral and the tower of St. Nicholas Church. This stone bridge, although in its present form dating from the early 20th century, stands where a crossing of the Leie River has existed since the Middle Ages. According to local legend, more historical monuments can be seen from this bridge than from any other point in Europe.

For those who wish to capture Ghent's skyline, the ideal spot is the View point promenade, a vantage point located at 15 Korenlei St. This small promenade offers a spectacular view of the historic waterfront and the facades of medieval townhouses reflected in the water. This spot is especially beautiful at sunset, when the last rays of the sun give the historic buildings a golden glow and the city slowly lights up with lamps, creating a magical atmosphere that attracts photographers and romantic couples alike.

Ghentau, while famous for its monumental monuments, also hides lesser-known but equally fascinating sites that give you a deeper understanding of the soul of this historic city. One such treasure is Ghent City Hall (City Hall), an architectural chameleon that combines flamboyant Gothic with Renaissance. The building, which took nearly a century to construct (from the 15th to the 16th century), reflects changing architectural tastes and styles. The facade on the Hoogpoort side represents the Gothic, while the facade on the Botermarkt side is in the Renaissance style. The interior of City Hall hides the Pacification Room, where the treaty known as the Pacification of Ghent was signed in 1576, which briefly united the northern and southern provinces of the Netherlands against Spanish domination.

Associated with the Town Hall is a little-known but fascinating legend about the 'Mammelokker,' a bas-relief depicting an adult man breastfeeding an elderly woman. The scene illustrates the ancient Roman tale of Cimon, a condemned man who was saved from starvation by his daughter, who fed him with her own milk. The bas-relief is located on a building that once served as the city's prison, and its presence was meant to remind people of the value of mercy.

Walking around Ghent, note the many architectural details adorning the historic buildings. One of the most intriguing is the 'Dulle Griet' (Mad Margaret), a huge medieval cannon that stands near the St. Michael's Bridge. This 15th-century bombardment, weighing nearly 16 tons, was never used in battle, but has become a symbol of Ghent's spirit of resistance. According to local legend, the cannon was supposed to be used against the city of Oudenaarde, Ghent's eternal rival, but it was so heavy that it never reached its destination.

Ghent was also a city of rebels and revolutionaries. Few people know that it was here in 1349 that one of the first labor uprisings in Europe took place, when weavers and foil makers revolted against exploitation by the city's patriciate. This spirit of resistance endured for centuries - in the 18th century Ghent became one of the centers of the Brabant revolution against Austrian rule, and in the 19th century it was an important center of the labor and socialist movement.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ghent's history is its pioneering role in the Industrial Revolution. Few people know that it was here, and not in England, that the first water-powered mechanical weaving workshop was invented. Lieven Bauwens, a Ghent industrialist, stole the plans for the 'Spinning Jenny' spinning machine from England and put them into production in his factories, ushering in the industrial age on the European continent. He was sentenced to death in absentia by British authorities for this deed, but Ghent commemorated him with a monument that can be seen near Korenmarkt.

For lovers of culinary history, Ghent offers an opportunity to discover traditional Flemish flavors. The city is famous for 'waterzooi' - a thick soup with chicken or fish, which was a favorite dish of Emperor Charles V. According to legend, when the emperor grew old and lost his teeth, Ghent cooks created a dish for him that he could eat without biting. Another local delicacy is 'cuberdons' - cone-shaped purple candies with raspberry syrup inside, also known as 'neuzekes' (little noses). These traditional sweets, sold from distinctive carts in Korenmarkt, have a short shelf life, so they are hard to find outside the Flanders region.

Ghent is a city that is best explored by delving into its backstreets and discovering the stories hidden behind the facades of monumental buildings. It's a place where every stone tells a fascinating story of power, rebellion, innovation and artistic genius, making a weekend trip an unforgettable experience for any history lover.