Opera Gent
Music theatre, concerts and recitals
In the first half of the 19th century, rich Ghent industrialists initiated the building of a new and luxurious opera house. It was meant to be the showcase for their newly acquired wealth and no expense was spared. In the splendid horseshoe-shaped theatre, being seen was just as important as seeing.
The impressive chandelier is an attraction in itself, just like the three salons, measuring together 90 m long.
Citadelpark
The Citadelpark is a park in Ghent on the brow of a hill between the rivers Scheldt and Lys. This city park was created in 1875 on the place where the Dutch citadel of Ghent formerly stood, built between 1819 and 1831. The citadel, one of the largest and most modern in Europe at the time, was later used as an infantry and artillery barracks. It was in use until 1870.
Today it is a great place to enjoy botanical abundance. Spot the name tags that were placed in front of all the remarkable trees in 2005. Here, animal-lovers can take dogs from the rescue centre for a walk. Kids aged 10 and under can have fun in the playground. When the sun is shining, this spot is where Ghent residents and students come to chill out and have a picnic. Enjoy!
City pavilion
The multifunctional and open city pavilion is an architectural masterpiece designed by the architects Robbrecht & Daem / Marie-José Van Hee. The roof structure and the use of glass, wood and concrete are very striking. This location can host concerts, dance performances and markets.
Discover the ‘grand café’ hidden under the city pavilion: the semi-underground ‘Belfort Stadscafé en Stadsrestaurant’ is already a bubbly establishment which can cater for 300 people. Head over there for a drink, a daily special or a selection of the à la carte menu.
The city park on the lower level, The Green, is surrounded by a stone wall. This is the place to be if you’re looking to relax, read or simply hang around. Stairs and ramps connect the park with the street levels higher up. Diagonal walking paths connect the Donkersteeg with the Mageleinstraat and Cataloniëstraat, inviting you to shop and enjoy a stroll.
Works of art
The existing art elements – the Minne sculptures and the Mathildis clock – were given a new place in the design.
Spring of the Bereaved
The naked youngsters look at their reflection in the water of the fountain, just like Narcissus, the Greek mythological figure did, out of narcissism. When the statue was placed here in 1937, the bourgeoisie thought it was immoral. Today no one is shocked by these naked boys. George Minne, the artist, sought inspiration in the statues on the Gothic buildings.
The Roeland Bell
The song “Klokke Roeland” (Roeland Bell) is probably the most famous folk song in Ghent. This bell is known as ‘The Triumphant’ and as ‘Roeland’, after the first large bell at the Belfry. The bell cracked in 1914 and was removed from the Belfry and restored. Today it is displayed on a specially designed base next to St Nicholas’ Church. Are you interested in witnessing the Ghent carillon for yourself? Then you must visit the Belfry.
De Maagd
The Belgian artist Michaël Borremans donated his fresco, “De Maagd” (The Virgin), to the city. It portrays a black-haired girl against a dark background. Except for a white collar, the girl is dressed entirely in black. Two crystal-clear rays of light emanate from her eyes. You can find the painting on the bell cage above the door of the lift. The artist’s signature at the back of the work, in the bell cage.
