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Ghent is a city in northern Belgium, located in the Flanders region, roughly halfway between Brussels and Bruges. It sits at the meeting point of the Rivers Scheldt and Leie, a position that gave it a clear advantage in medieval times by making trade and transport easier, which helped the local economy grow.

Today, Ghent’s well-preserved medieval buildings and cobbled streets still reflect its long and eventful history. Back in the 12th century, the city became a key trading hub, particularly known for its textile and cloth production. The 14th and 15th centuries are often seen as Ghent’s heyday, when it was one of the largest and richest cities in northern Europe. Much of this wealth came from its wool industry.

The Cloth Hall in the city centre is a reminder of that prosperous time. The money made from trade and manufacturing also allowed the city to invest heavily in architecture. St Bavo’s Cathedral, famous for its Gothic design and the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers, is one example of this. The Belfry of Ghent, another important landmark, was used both as a lookout and a symbol of civic pride.

Aside from textiles, Ghent also became involved in banking and finance, helping to manage international trade. The Gravensteen – a medieval castle in the city centre – once housed the Counts of Flanders and showed their control over the area. The wealth from this period is also visible in the decorative guildhalls and townhouses lining the Graslei and Korenlei canals, with their distinctive stepped gables and ornate fronts, reflecting the status and tastes of the city’s elite at the time.

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