Ghent is one of Europe's most exciting medieval towns, a glorious  eclectic city with spectacular buildings and a vivid cultural experience (National Geographic Traveler recently ranked it 3rd best historic place to visit internationally). With its splendid medieval architecture including many monuments, churches, and squares, along with a myriad of cafés and restaurants, Ghent has a vibrant cultural life and most enjoyable entertainment. At only a "stone's throw" of the cities of Bruges, Antwerp, and Brussels, it is an ideal starting point to discover the Low Countries and more.

Ghent is directly accessible by train from Brussels airport or through the high-speed train network. The conference venue is highly convenient and located in a beautiful park within the city center.

Much of the city's medieval architecture remains intact and is remarkably well preserved and restored. Its centre is the largest carfree area in Belgium. Interesting highlights are the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the belfry, the Gravensteen castle, and the splendid architecture along the old Graslei harbour. Ghent established a nice blend between comfort of living and history – it is not a city-museum. The city of Ghent houses also three béguinages and numerous churches, among which the Saint-James' church, the Saint-Nicolas' church and the Saint Michael's church are the most beautiful examples. The beguinages, as well as the belfry and adjacent cloth hall, were recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites in 1998 and 1999.

Important museums in Ghent are the Museum voor Schone Kunsten (Museum of Fine Arts), with paintings by Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens, and many Flemish masters; the SMAK or Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst (City Museum for Contemporary Art), with works of the 20th century, including Joseph Beuysand Andy Warhol; and the Designmuseum with masterpieces of Victor Horta and Le Corbusier. The Huis van Alijn (House of the Alijn family) was originally a beguinage and is now a museum for folk art where theatre and puppet shows for children are presented.

Directions:

Point A: Gent-Sint-Pieters train station

Point B: International Convention Center

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