Patershol is a historic neighborhood in the city of Ghent, Belgium. It is known for its medieval architecture, narrow streets and cozy atmosphere. Patershol was once the home of craftsmen, merchants and monks, and it still retains some of its old charm and character.
The ticket price for visiting Patershol is free, as it is a public area. However, some attractions within Patershol may charge an entrance fee, such as the Caermersklooster monastery or the Design Museum. You can check their websites for more information on their prices and opening hours.
Patershol is open every day of the year, but some of its attractions may have different opening and closing hours depending on the season and the day of the week. For example, the Caermersklooster monastery is closed on Mondays, while the Design Museum is closed on Wednesdays. You can also find more information on their websites or at the tourist office in Ghent.
The easiest way to get to Patershol is by public transport. You can take a tram or a bus to the Korenmarkt stop, which is the main square in Ghent. From there, you can walk for about 10 minutes to Patershol, following the signs or a map. You can also take a taxi or a bike to Patershol, but be aware that some streets are pedestrian-only or have limited access for cars.
Some tips for visiting Patershol are:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets are cobblestoned and uneven.
- Try some of the local specialties at one of the many restaurants and cafes in Patershol. You can find dishes such as waterzooi (a creamy soup with chicken or fish), stoverij (a beef stew with beer) or Gentse neuzen (a candy shaped like a nose).
- Explore the hidden corners and alleys of Patershol, where you can discover interesting shops, art galleries and historical buildings.
- Visit Patershol during one of its festivals or events, such as the Patersholfeesten (a street festival in August) or the OdeGand (a music festival in September).
You can also join a guided tour of Patershol, which will give you more insights into its history and culture. There are several options for tours, such as walking tours, bike tours or boat tours. You can book a tour online or at the tourist office in Ghent.
Some of the things to see in Patershol are:
- The Caermersklooster monastery, which dates back to the 14th century and hosts temporary exhibitions of art and culture.
- The Design Museum, which showcases the history and evolution of design from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- The Huis van Alijn, which is a museum of everyday life and customs in Ghent from the 19th century to the 1970s.
- The Gravensteen castle, which is a medieval fortress that was once the residence of the counts of Flanders.
- The Prinsenhof, which is a former palace where Emperor Charles V was born in 1500.
Some of the prohibitions in Patershol are:
- Smoking in public places, such as museums, restaurants and cafes.
- Littering or vandalizing the streets and buildings.
- Making noise or disturbing the residents after 10 pm.
- Taking photos or videos without permission in some attractions, such as the Caermersklooster monastery or the Design Museum.
