The Royal Theatre of Ghent

Tucked between two of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks, the Royal Theatre of Ghent is hard to miss, with its vibrant façade and statues of Apollo and the muses watching from above. It was built in the 19th century, on Sint-Baafsplein, one of Ghent’s liveliest squares, where the city is believed to have been founded. Each of the surrounding buildings reflects a different kind of power: the Belfry stands for the former bourgeoisie, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral for the authority of the Church—and the Royal Theatre represents the intellectual elite, who were committed to spreading culture throughout the country – a mission that still resonates today. Season after season, the theatre showcases some of the most talented actors from Flanders and the Netherlands—many of whom go on to build international careers. Listed as a protected monument since 1986, the Royal Theatre of Ghent is also a great place to relax. Its café is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while taking in the beautiful view of the square. The theater was created at the initiative of local residents, who envisioned a venue that could host a wide range of performances — from plays to dance and music productions, and even opera. Built in a neoclassical style, the building has been restored many times over the years, yet it has never lost its magnetic aura. Across from it stands the monument to Jan Frans Willems, erected in 1899 and dedicated to the man considered the father of the Flemish Movement. This remarkable work, the result of a collaboration between sculptor Isidoor De Rudder and architect Paul Hankar, honors the writer who devoted his life to reviving Flemish culture, shaped in part by the linguistic struggles his family faced under French occupation. Crafted from marble and granite and incorporating a fountain, the monument presents an allegorical composition that celebrates the Flemish Movement and reveals the richness of its cultural heritage.