How long does it take to walk the Ghent architectural route?

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to admire the facades and explore the public interiors of buildings like De Krook library.

Is the Book Tower in Ghent open to the public?

The Book Tower is primarily a university library, so interior access for tourists is limited. However, the exterior is a modernist masterpiece that can be viewed from the street at any time.

What is the 'Sheepfold' in Ghent?

The 'Sheepfold' is the local nickname for the Stadshal, or City Pavilion. It is a large wood and glass canopy located between the Belfry and St. Nicholas' Church, known for its controversial modern design.

Is Ghent a walkable city?

Yes, Ghent is extremely walkable with a large car-free center. Most major architectural landmarks are within a 15-20 minute walk of each other.

Where is the best place for photos on this walk?

The roof of De Krook and the area around the Stadshal offer some of the best architectural photo opportunities in Ghent.

Can I do this walking route at night?

Yes, Ghent is famous for its 'Light Plan,' which illuminates major buildings and streets artistically after dark, making it a safe and beautiful night walk.

What is De Krook in Ghent?

De Krook is a massive contemporary library and media center. It is an architectural landmark known for its stacked steel design and its location on a bend of the Scheldt river.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Ghent is a city where the Middle Ages and the 21st century do not just coexist; they collide in spectacular fashion. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the fascinating evolution of Ghent's skyline, moving from the ornate Baroque gateways of the old fish market to the minimalist, modernist concrete of the University Quarter. While many travelers stick to the medieval core, this walking route pushes further, revealing how Ghent has reinvented itself as a hub of contemporary art and innovative architecture. You will discover how industrial ruins have been transformed into tech hubs and how a controversial glass-and-wood pavilion became a modern icon in the shadow of ancient cathedrals. The journey begins at the Oude vismijn, a gateway that perfectly captures the city's maritime history before leading you toward the heart of the city’s architectural debate: the Stadshal. From there, the route follows the water toward the University Quarter, a neighborhood pulsating with youthful energy and intellectual history. You will encounter De Krook, a library that looks like a stack of rusted steel plates, and the Wintercircus, a former circus-turned-garage-turned-innovation-center. The walk concludes at the Book Tower, a masterpiece of modernism that stands as a silent sentinel over the city. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who want to see the 'real' Ghent—a city that respects its past but is never afraid to build a bold future. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a casual traveler, this exploration offers a unique perspective on one of Europe's most visually dynamic cities.

Highlights

The Baroque facade and Neptune statue of the Oude vismijn

The controversial and striking 'Sheepfold' City Pavilion (Stadshal)

The futuristic, industrial-chic design of De Krook library

The hidden history of the Wintercircus and its grand dome

The socialist grandeur of the VIERNULVIER (Vooruit) arts center

Henry van de Velde’s modernist masterpiece, the Book Tower

Tour Stops (6)

Oude vismijn

Welcome to the Old Fish Market, or Oude vismijn. Look up at the grand Baroque gateway, where a statue of Neptune keeps watch over the Scheldt and Leie rivers. Built in the late 17th century, this was the bustling heart of Ghent's fish trade. Notice the intricate carvings representing the city's relationship with water. After a devastating fire in the 19th century, much of it was rebuilt, and today it serves as a gateway between the medieval Gravensteen castle and the city’s evolving center. It is a perfect starting point to see how Ghent preserves its historical shell while repurposing the interior for modern life.

Stadshal / City Pavilion

Locally known as 'De Schaapstal' or the Sheepfold, the Stadshal is one of Ghent's most debated pieces of modern architecture. Designed by Robbrecht en Daem and Marie-José Van Hee, this massive canopy of wood, glass, and steel was completed in 2012. It sits boldly between the historic Belfry and Saint Nicholas' Church. While controversial at first, it has become a beloved public space. Look closely at the ceiling; thousands of small windows allow light to filter through, creating a shimmering effect. It is a masterclass in how to insert contemporary design into a sensitive, UNESCO-protected medieval landscape.

De Krook

As you approach the water's edge, the landscape shifts dramatically. De Krook is Ghent’s 'Library of the Future,' opened in 2017. The name refers to the 'bend' in the river Scheldt where it sits. Its architecture, a collaboration between Catalan and Flemish firms, features horizontal layers of weathered steel that mimic the city's industrial past. Step inside to see how the building integrates a library, university labs, and a radio station. The open staircases and panoramic views of the city offer a moment of quiet reflection amidst the steel and glass. It is a symbol of Ghent’s shift from an industrial power to a knowledge-driven city.

Wintercircus

Just a stone's throw from the library lies the Wintercircus. This building has lived many lives: originally a permanent circus in the late 1800s, it later became a massive multi-story garage for the Mahy car collection. For decades, it sat derelict, a hidden 'urban ruin' in the center of town. Recently, it has been painstakingly renovated into a hub for technology and startups. While the exterior remains somewhat unassuming, the interior retains the circular shape of the original circus arena. It stands as a testament to Ghent's ability to recycle its urban fabric for the digital age.

VIERNULVIER (Vooruit)

The VIERNULVIER building, traditionally known as the Vooruit, is a temple of Ghent's social and cultural history. Built between 1911 and 1914, it served as a festival hall for the city's socialist labor movement. It was a place where workers could enjoy theater, cinema, and libraries—luxuries previously reserved for the elite. Architecturally, it is an eclectic mix of Art Nouveau and Art Deco elements. Today, it remains the beating heart of Ghent’s arts scene. Take a moment to appreciate the grand facade and the bustling terrace, which has been a local meeting spot for over a century.

Book Tower

Your walk ends at the Boekentoren, or Book Tower. Designed by the famous Belgian architect Henry van de Velde in the 1930s, this is a masterpiece of modernism. Standing 64 meters tall, it is often called the 'Fourth Tower' of Ghent, joining the three medieval towers of the city center. It houses over three million books belonging to the University of Ghent. Van de Velde designed everything from the concrete structure to the window handles. Its minimalist, functionalist style was revolutionary at the time and continues to influence architects today. It is the perfect final stop to reflect on Ghent's journey from medieval spires to modernist heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the University Quarter and the city center is ideal. This route highlights the contrast between medieval landmarks like the Belfry and modern icons like the Stadshal and the Book Tower.