Kraanlei and Patershol Quarter, Ghent
The Kraanlei district, once known as Ajuinlei or "The Onion Place," has a rich history dating back to 1354. It earned its current name, Kraanlei or "Crane Place," when a great crane based on designs by Archimedes was installed to lift cargo from barges arriving at the quay. This crane was not alone; there were multiple cranes, although today only the name survives. Onions continued to be sold at this location until the 1940s, maintaining a link to its original moniker.
Situated along the riverfront, Kraanlei is a charming area lined with small trees. It features 19th-century water fountains with basins designed at varying heights to serve birds, humans, horses, and dogs. These fountains, relics of the Belle Epoque era, are now dry but still add to the district's historic ambiance. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the bank of Kraanlei or take in the scenic views from a pleasure boat on the river.
Patershol is one of Ghent鈥檚 oldest medieval quarters, bordering the River Leie. Its street layout has been preserved since the Middle Ages, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient past. Originally, the area served as a military zone for the Counts of Flanders. However, when the Counts relocated to Gravensteen in the 15th century, Patershol became home to lawyers, tradesmen, and a burgeoning middle class.
By the 19th century, as industry grew, workers moved into the suburbs, and Patershol declined into a ghetto. However, a revitalization began in the 1970s, restoring the neighborhood to its former charm. Today, Patershol is a vibrant area celebrated for its annual event, the Patersholfeesten, or "Little Ghent Feasts," held on August 15th. The festivities include performances on the Kaatsspelplein, children鈥檚 activities like singing and painting, and a lively flea market on Sunday, drawing locals and tourists alike to experience the unique cultural atmosphere of this historic quarter.
Situated along the riverfront, Kraanlei is a charming area lined with small trees. It features 19th-century water fountains with basins designed at varying heights to serve birds, humans, horses, and dogs. These fountains, relics of the Belle Epoque era, are now dry but still add to the district's historic ambiance. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the bank of Kraanlei or take in the scenic views from a pleasure boat on the river.
Patershol is one of Ghent鈥檚 oldest medieval quarters, bordering the River Leie. Its street layout has been preserved since the Middle Ages, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient past. Originally, the area served as a military zone for the Counts of Flanders. However, when the Counts relocated to Gravensteen in the 15th century, Patershol became home to lawyers, tradesmen, and a burgeoning middle class.
By the 19th century, as industry grew, workers moved into the suburbs, and Patershol declined into a ghetto. However, a revitalization began in the 1970s, restoring the neighborhood to its former charm. Today, Patershol is a vibrant area celebrated for its annual event, the Patersholfeesten, or "Little Ghent Feasts," held on August 15th. The festivities include performances on the Kaatsspelplein, children鈥檚 activities like singing and painting, and a lively flea market on Sunday, drawing locals and tourists alike to experience the unique cultural atmosphere of this historic quarter.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ghent. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Kraanlei and Patershol Quarter on Map
Sight Name: Kraanlei and Patershol Quarter
Sight Location: Ghent, Belgium (See walking tours in Ghent)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ghent, Belgium (See walking tours in Ghent)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ghent, Belgium
Create Your Own Walk in Ghent
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ghent is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ghent's Historical Buildings
The medieval city of Ghent is full of wonderful old buildings, some dating back as far as the 12th-13th centuries. Medieval buildings are indeed everywhere here, and if you're interested in the heritage fit to capture you imagination, you will find plenty of it in Ghent鈥檚 historic downtown.
And you won鈥檛 have to look far for the World Heritage worthy of its name either. The Castle of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
And you won鈥檛 have to look far for the World Heritage worthy of its name either. The Castle of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Ghent Introduction Walking Tour
Some historians believe "Ghent" comes from the Celtic word, "ganda." "Ganda" meant a confluence, as with two rivers. There are traces of human settlements as far back as the stone age at the confluence of the rivers Scheldt and Leie in Belgium.
With the Frankish invasions at the end of the 4th century AD, the Celtic language was replaced by Old Dutch and this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
With the Frankish invasions at the end of the 4th century AD, the Celtic language was replaced by Old Dutch and this... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles