This page is about the Belgian city. For other places called Ghent see Ghent (disambiguation).
Ghent (Gent in Dutch, Gand in French) is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders, of which it is the capital. The city centre lies at the confluence of Scheldt and Lys. It is situated at the crossing of the European motorways, E40 and E17. The municipality comprises the city of Ghent proper and the towns of Afsnee, Desteldonk, Drongen, Gentbrugge, Ledeberg, Mariakerke, Mendonk, Oostakker, Sint-Amandsberg, Sint-Denijs-Westrem, Sint-Kruis-Winkel, Wondelgem and Zwijnaarde. On January 1st, 2000 Ghent had a total population of 224,180 (108,851 males and 115,329 females). The total area is 157.69 km² which gives a population density of 1421.65 inhabitants per km². In terms of population it is Belgium's fourth largest municipality.
Ghent is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Much of the city's medieval architecture remains intact and is remarkably well preserved. Interesting highlights are the Sint-Baafs cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the belfry, the gravensteen, and the Graslei
The city has an extensive harbour which is accessed by the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, which ends at Terneuzen in the Westerschelde.
The city is host to some big cultural events such as the Gentse Feesten, I Love Techno and Festival van Vlaanderen
Night bus services (weekends only) are free of charge.
See also: Bruges
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