East Flanders Magnificent Villages
One of just three regions in Belgium, East Flanders is made up of six districts. This area is a pleasure to visit, with rolling hills making way for friendly villages lined with lovely old houses and quaint cobblestone streets. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your fiftieth, you’re sure to feel right at home amidst the welcoming locals and the peaceful atmosphere that makes East Flanders so unique. Of the six districts, two in particular stand out and top the must-visit list: Ghent and Oudenaarde.
Ghent
The largest city and the capital of East Flanders, Ghent is also Belgium’s second largest municipality, based on total population. Once one of Europe’s richest cities, today Ghent remains a bustling town that is abuzz with energy and excitement and boasts a long, fascinating history that runs deep. From the magnificent Saint Nicholas Church to the towering Belfort and Lace Hall to the spectacular Saint Baaf Cathedral, the ancient ties that link back to centuries past are still clearly evident today.
The center of the city is home to the mighty Castle of the Counts, a medieval castle that was originally constructed in the year 868. Visitors today can explore the macabre torture chambers, complete with rack, thumbscrews and the executioner’s swords. Much of the city’s ancient architecture remains remarkably intact and provides a rare opportunity to take a virtual journey back in time for all who visit this beautiful destination.
For those that enjoy festivals and fairs, if you time your trip correctly you can take part in the annual Ghent Festival, a 10-day long extravaganza that celebrates the arts of music and theatre. The city is also home to an annual international film festival, the “10 Days Off” music festival, and the spectacular botanical exhibition, which takes place every five years. Finally, there is the Festival of Flanders, which has been a Ghent tradition for more than 50 years. During the event, some 50 concerts are held throughout the medieval inner-city and nearly 250 international artists perform.
Oudenaarde
Another magnificent city that is as rich with history as it is personality and culture, Oudenaarde is among one of the most popular stops in East Flanders. It is home to a great number of ancient buildings and fascinating displays of architecture and art. Perhaps the crown jewel of Oudenaared is the beautiful town hall and its majestic belfry, which were constructed in the early 1500’s. The façade on the town hall, as it stands today, is perfectly symmetrical and the belfry tower features a crown with gilded eagles and a golden statue of a 16th century flag bearer. It’s absolutely fantastic to behold.
Historians will also enjoy a visit to the spectacular Liedts Castle. While it may not be as old as some of the other structures and monuments in Oudenaarde, it’s got a long, sordid and fascinating past that makes it a must-see on any visitor’s list. The castle is built on the site where former fortifications once stood – land which was purchased by the prominent Liedts family. In 1860, a beautiful whitewashed cottage was built, which was later converted into the present day castle. This magnificent building is exquisitely adorned, even down to the window frames, which boast the initials of Amedée Liedts. The castle, its library, art collection, valuables and the surrounding park were donated to Oudenaarde by Amedée in 1907 and continue to be enjoyed by countless visitors to this day.
The region of East Flanders is certainly one of Belgium’s most sought after and admired destinations for travelers the world over. While there are plenty of reasons to visit, the cities of Ghent and Oudenaarde provide two of the most compelling. From beautiful scenery to fascinating history to friendly residents and festivals galore, it’s sure to be a journey you won’t soon forget.