Ghent's historic city centre attracts tourists with its Castle of the Counts, the Belfry, the Graslei and Korenlei. But within walking distance of the centre, you will find several hidden gems from the city's industrial past.
Indeed, Ghent grew into the Manchester of the continent in the early nineteenth century. This was in part thanks to Ghent entrepreneur Lieven Bauwens. He smuggled parts of the Mule Jenny to the continent between 1797 and 1798. This is how he stood at the cradle of the mechanisation of the Ghent textile industry.
Repurposed textile mills
In the Industriemuseum Gent, you will find one of the oldest Mule Jennys from the early nineteenth century. Moreover, you can visit the museum to discover the story of the Industrial Revolution.
The old De Porre textile factory is a little further out of the city centre and shows you the successful repurposing of an extinct textile maker.
Old harbour docks
The significant growth of the textile industry led to the construction of the Ghent-Terneuzen canal and new harbour docks on the edge of the city centre. Today, harbour cranes, sheds, unloading docks and old tracks at the Handelsdok, Houtdok and Voorhaven bear witness to the industrial development of yesteryear.
Second life for gas and steam engine plants
Within walking distance of the historic centre, you will still come across the remains of Carels' construction workshop. Steam engines and boilers were built here; this is a lively new town district today.
Gas lanterns lighted Ghent's streets from the early nineteenth century onwards. The gas was produced locally in gas factories, but these disappeared one by one after World War II. Along the Gasmeterlaan in Ghent, however, you will still find two monumental gas holders. This is where the gas produced during the day was stored. The gasholders have been made accessible to visitors.
Guided tour
Discover more travel tips in Ghent. Want a guided tour of Ghent's industrial heritage? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at info@hiddenmonuments.com.
