Ghent is a medieval river port city in northwest Belgium. Once an important, affluent city-state at the confluence of the rivers Scheldt and Leie, today Ghent is a lively university town and cultural center with beautifully preserved medieval architecture at its center. The most famous is the 12th-century castle Gravensteen and the row of intricate guildhalls in the Leie river harbor. Visit the magnificent Catedral de San Bavón (Sint-Baafskathedraal), stroll over St Michael's Bridge, which offers expansive views of the surrounding Graslei and Korenlei neighborhoods, and explore the old Fish Market, the Castle of the Counts, and St Michael’s Church. Just 15 minutes by bus is Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve, a completely different world full of peace and quiet, a heaven for birds and hikers.