A medieval detour through Patershol

Taking a walk through the charming and picturesque streets of the Patershol neighbourhood in Ghent is like travelling back in time. Its street plan has remained intact since the Middle Ages and offers historical discoveries around every corner: the Caermersklooster (Caermers Monastery), the white House of Alijn (a remnant of the charity works of Ghent’s nobility) and the Gravensteen castle that looks out over Patershol.

When you admire the Gravensteen’s architecture, its thick, rounded, stone walls will certainly remind you of the Crusaders’ dwellings in Syria. As you climb up to the top, you arrive at the 12th-century castle keep. There you can enjoy an open view of the city and especially the former weaver’s neighbourhood, which later became a middle-class area. Patershol is the real historical heart of the city, but also impresses with its varied, high-quality French, Thai and of course Flemish cuisine.

Foodies will undoubtedly love the Northern gourmet dishes prepared by J.E.F., who incorporates local Belgian produce. Around the 15th of August, the medieval quarter plays host to the Patersholfeesten (also known as the “mini-festivities of Ghent”), where shows on the Kaatsspelplein, children’s songs and paintings and the flea market play a starring role among the famous, low, red-brick period houses.

Whether you are looking for a luxurious townhouse, a renovated villa or a design penthouse, the city centre of Ghent harbours plenty of exceptional offerings !