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Gent, Belgium





Gent had been described to us, as one of the most beautiful cities. Our friends who laid the claim may have been biased as they reside in Gent; but having visited them and the city, we agree. 

The city is on the confluence of two rivers, surrounded by land ideal for sheep farming. Thanks to the wool trade Gent grew so much that it was second largest city in Europe to Paris.  While the town’s castle is 11th century much of the beautiful architecture dates from the 14th century onwards. The wealthy wool merchant families invested in beautiful and well-constructed architecture.

It is a city with a strong rebellious history, dating back to 630. As the industrial revolution took hold and Gent became the first industrialised city in continental Europe, there was protest about impoverished conditions in which labourers lived and worked. As conditions in Gent mirrored Manchester in the early 1800s the first modern trade unions and socialist movements were established in both cities. 

The city today has more than 70,000 students, giving it vibrancy. UNESCO has recognised Gent as a “Creative City of Music” with its many festivals.

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