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GHENT - BELGIUM |
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Ghent (Gent in Dutch, Gand in French, once
Gaunt in English) is a municipality located in Flanders, one of
the three regions of Belgium, and in the Flemish province of
East Flanders, of which it is the capital. The city centre lies
at the confluence of rivers Scheldt and Lys. It is situated at
the crossing of the European routes E17 and E40.
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,
2001 Ghent had a total population of 225.956. The total area is
157.69 km˛ which gives a population density of 1421.65
inhabitants per km˛. In terms of population it is Belgium's
fourth largest municipality. |
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Tourism
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. Its center is the largest carfree
area in Belgium. Interesting highlights are the Saint Bavo
Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the belfry, the gravensteen,
and the Graslei. The city is host to some big cultural events
such as the Gentse Feesten, I Love Techno, Flanders
International Film Festival Ghent and Festival van Vlaanderen.
Night bus services (weekends only) are free of charge.
The city has an extensive harbour which is accessed by the Ghent-Terneuzen
Canal, which ends at Terneuzen in the Westerschelde.
Ghent was the birthplace of Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain,
Charles V, and of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. It was also
the site of the signing of the Treaty of Ghent which formally
ended the War of 1812 between Britain and the United States of
America. |
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