Private History and Mystery Tour: The Dark Side of Gent

4.9 (104 reviews) 1 h 45 min Free cancellation Private tour

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104 reviews

4.9

Private History and Mystery Tour: The Dark Side of Gent — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Private History and Mystery Tour: The Dark Side of Gent, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Join our Private Tour: The Dark Side of Gent of and discover the fascinating history, myths and legends of our city with an experienced and passionate local guide.

We take you off the beaten track to show you some highlights and hidden gems of our gorgeous city. After 1.5h you will finish the tour in the medieval quarter of Ghent, very close to the city center, with a deeper understanding of our beloved city!

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Ghost Tours Culture Excellent Quality Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 45 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, French, Dutch, Spanish
Operated by: Gent Free Walking Tour

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Professional guide
Included: Private guide
Included: All Fees and Taxes

Itinerary

St Michael's Bridge

15 min

We start here with an introduction to the history of Ghent and the role the city played as a trading hub in medieval times. We also introduce you to the 3 towers of the Ghent skyline, which are best visible from this spot.
St. Bavo's Cathedral

10 min Admission not included

We’ll tell you the gruesome story of why the beautiful cathedral is also known as the ‘Devil’s Tower’. (Entering is not part of the tour).
Graslei and Korenlei

10 min

We take you to the heart of the bustling medieval harbour of Ghent, back when the city was an economic powerhouse in Europe, to tell you about the lucrative trading activities.
Stop 4

10 min

On this bridge overlooking the giant Butchers’ Hall, we tell you the legend about the execution of a father and son and the miraculous event that saved them.
Gravensteen

10 min

Built by Count Baldwin in the 9th century to protect the inhabitants from the Viking raids, it was around this impressive fortification that the city started to develop. Our guide will share its fascinating history with you.
Prinsenhof

10 min Admission not included

Next, we take you to what once was a gigantic palace called the Prince’s Court. Today we need some imagination to envision it, but our guide will bring its history to life! (Entering is not part of the tour).
Rabot Sluice

10 min

Here, we will show you the only remaining tower of the 14 km long defence wall that was built around Ghent in the Middle Ages.
Keizer Karel V

10 min

We take you to the Bridge of Imperial Delights, which is flanked by 4 sculptures which depict legendary scenes of the life of Charles V. Our guide will explain you some of them.
Augustijnenklooster

10 min Admission not included

On this stop, we’ll tell you about the troublesome history of the Religious Wars and the effect the Calvinist rule has had on the history of the city. (Entering is not part of the tour).
Patershol

10 min

To finish the tour, we take you to the picturesque medieval quarter of the Patershol or ‘Monk’s hole’ to tell you about the social impact of the Industrial Revolution and the role it played in the revival of the city’s economy!