Ghent University: Aula & Historic Campus
Ghent University: Aula & Historic Campus is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Ghent audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~30 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type university
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Ghent Ghent guide
About Ghent University: Aula & Historic Campus
Founded in 1817 by Dutch King William I, Ghent University is one of Belgium's leading research universities, its neoclassical Aula building standing in the heart of the historic city.
Ghent University, Universiteit Gent, was founded in 1817 by King William I of the Netherlands, making it one of the oldest universities in Belgium. Today it is one of the country's leading research universities, with over 47,000 students and a strong international reputation particularly in engineering, life sciences, and the humanities.
The university's historic campus is woven into the fabric of the city centre. The centrepiece is the Aula, the magnificent neoclassical ceremonial hall built in 1826, which serves as the venue for academic ceremonies and public events. The university's buildings and faculties are spread across the old city, giving Ghent its distinctive student character, one in eight residents of Ghent is a student. The university was historically significant for being one of the first in the world to teach fully in Dutch rather than Latin, a landmark in the development of Dutch-language higher education.
Did you know? Ghent University was one of the first in the world to teach entirely in Dutch rather than Latin or French, a landmark in the Flemish cultural movement.
How long should you spend at Ghent University: Aula & Historic Campus?
Plan about ~30 min at Ghent University: Aula & Historic Campus. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Ghent University: Aula & Historic Campus worth visiting?
Ghent University: Aula & Historic Campus is one of the 22 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Ghent, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Ghent
Hear the story of Ghent University: Aula & Historic Campus
Preview the Ghent tour free in the Gingerguide app.