Ghent is teeming with fascinating architecture: from medieval world heritage, to hypermodern utility buildings - or have you ever seen a passive house school with a ‘floating’ playground? In Ghent, fascinating new buildings stand side by side with thoughtful restoration and Ghent is also a pioneer in terms of repurposing. Abandoned buildings are given interesting temporary purposes whenever possible, so the City and its neighbourhoods can continue to flourish. No, when it comes to architecture, you won’t get bored easily in Ghent.

  • The beauty of small things: details of the renovated cathedral

    Restorers are specialists in finding a balance between old and new, between visible and invisible, between permanent and temporary. On the one hand, they want to go back to the original as much as possible, but on the other hand, they should not fake it. Just take a look at some of the details.
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    Colorful stained glass windows of the St Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent

  • Stroll through Ghent in its most beautiful evening light

    Between sunset and midnight, Ghent is bathed in the warm glow of mood lighting. It's a unique way to experience the beautiful squares, streets and monuments. The light brings out views, details and hidden gems that you might not notice during the day. Follow the light walk and see Ghent in its very best evening light.
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    Lieve Staes looks up at the Handelsbeurs building on the Kouter in Ghent

  • These works of light art in Ghent will keep you in the city even longer at night

    The Ghent Illuminated Walk includes a few ‘rarities’. And we're not talking about buildings, streets or monumental squares, but no fewer than three beautiful works of light art: Maeterlinck's Blue Birds, the birth lantern Ai Nati Oggi and Palimpsest in Gentbrugge. Extraordinary light creations that are not only atmospheric, but whose light also has a story to tell.
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    Lieve Staes poses with the light artwork 'The Blue Birds' by Maurice Maeterlinck along the water in Ghent.

  • A new exhibition space for the Ghent Altarpiece

    Since 2021, the Ghent Altarpiece has been displayed at a new location in the cathedral. This is the third time the painting has been given a new spot. We were pretty nervous about this relocation, but after centuries, the work can once again be seen in its original splendour.
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    Two people admire the Ghent Altarpiece at its new location in St Bavo Cathedral

  • The invisible new structure of St Bavo’s Cathedral

    My visiting card says ‘Senior Project Manager’ at Bressers Architecten, but it might as well have been ‘site manager’ or ‘full-time meeting participant’. The construction of the visitor centre inside St Bavo's Cathedral cost us a lot of time and effort — but it was well worthwhile for such a masterpiece.
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    Maaike Blancke explains about St Bavo's Cathedral using the model