Dark Stories of Ghent: Night Tour

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Basic Information
Total time
2 hours
Language
English
Price
„Pay what you wish” tours do not have a fixed price. It is up to you to evaluate your guide’s work and reward it. Some people give 10€, others 50€ depending on their satisfaction and abilities.
Meeting point
The tour starts in front of Hostel Uppelink, Sint-Michielsplein 21, 9000 Gent. Look out for the red umbrella!Go to map
This tour is provided by our partner

About

Ghent, the capital of the province of East Flanders, is an excellent destination for lovers of history, architecture (medieval, modern and contemporary) and… Belgian delicacies. However, the fantastic atmosphere and the city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are not the only reasons why crowds of tourists from all over the world flock here. Ghent was the scene of many interesting and often frightening events throughout its long history… Let’s dive into them together!


Ghent’s horror stories are connected, among other things, to the Graslei waterfront – it is here, on the banks of the River Lys and in close proximity to the Park Appelbrugparkje, there is the famous Hoofdbrug bridge, also known as the ‘execution bridge’. Today it is a popular tourist destination, but back in dark medieval times murderers and rapists were brought to this stone bridge to be punished by beheading. On the bridge there used to be also two monuments commemorating the macabre experiment of the Count of Flanders. The cruel man decided to execute the related rebels (father and son) in an unusual way – the one who would dare to cut off the head of the other would be spared. Father and son agreed that the younger of the two should survive, but when the son proceeded to carry out the execution, the sword shattered into tiny pieces… So much legend but in addition to the bridge, public executions in Ghent were also carried out on the Vrijdagmarkt. On such occasions crowds of onlookers eager for this macabre entertainment would gather. The instruments used during torture and execution can be seen today in Gravensteen Castle, otherwise known as the “Castle of the Counts”. The hero of many legends connected with Ghent is King Charles V. The Spanish ruler humiliated the rebellious citizens of Ghent: some of the rebels were executed, while the others were led through the streets of the city with nooses hung around their necks. Those events are still remembered in the city – near the St Anthony Bridge there is a statue of De Stroppendrager, depicting a rebel with a noose hung around his neck. 


If you want to discover lesser-known, often dark secrets of Ghent join us for a guided night walk. We have many such tales in store for you! Together we shall visit places where great rulers were revolted against, people were tortured and executed. Join us to feel the thrill and see the city at night, when it empties, becomes very atmospheric and… spooky!


Meeting Point
The tour starts in front of Hostel Uppelink, Sint-Michielsplein 21, 9000 Gent. Look out for the red umbrella!

BOOKING RULES
Booking is obligatory. Our pay as you wish tours are designed for individual travellers and small groups. We don’t accept parties of more than 7 people on them. If you travel in a party of 8 or more (school groups, bigger groups of friends etc.), please choose a paid option, if it's available, or book a Private Tour. For more information on the latter, please contact us.



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This tour is also available as
a Private Tour.

Private tour