Graslei - the beautiful heart of Ghent (Gent), Belgium

Ghent (Gent) is a city and a municipality located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province.

Most inhabitants of this city will agree that Granslei is the most beautiful place in Ghent.  Together with the Leie River and the Korenlei on the opposite side of the water, this is Ghent’s prime highlight and the bustling heart of the city. From the 11th century until the late Middle Ages, the quays of Graslei and Korenlei served as the city’s main port as well as a major trade centre for grain. The buildings at number 9 and 12 are former guildhalls of grain traders and the building at number 10 used to be a wheat storehouse. Today this medieval port with its unique row of historical buildings is the meeting place par excellence. Young and old, inhabitant and visitor, everyone meets on one of the many café patios or simply by the water. This is the thriving heart of the inner city.

This postcard was sent by Sofie (13 March 2014) who has written to me partly in Dutch.
The stamp is VERY interesting - it has a chocolate scent.  Belgium besides beer is also famous for its chocolates.