Replica of an 18th century historical ship.
The Barge was a flat barge that was used by the States of Flanders on the Brugse Vaart since the 17th century to transport people and goods between Ghent and Bruges. For about 200 years, the regular shuttle service between Ghent and Bruges was ensured via the Barge.
In the 19th century, the Barge increasingly faced competition from stagecoaches, the iron steamboat and the first trains, which is why the official barge service was stopped in 1839.
The ship was known for its comfortable travel and culinary indulgence on board. Among the passengers were: the Infanta Isabella of Spain in 1625, Tsar Peter the Great in 1717, the King of France Louis XV in 1745, Prince Charles of Lorraine (in 1749, 1752 and 1756), the King of Denmark Christian VI in 1768, Princess Marie-Louise in 1810 and the King of Belgium Leopold I in 1834.

The reconstruction of the Ghent Barge is an initiative of the late Captain André De Wilde and Walter De Buck. It was one of the most prestigious social employment projects in Flanders. The order was given to “de Steenschuit” from Boom. They took care of the construction of the ship with all the technical equipment. “Loods 13” from Ghent was responsible for the creation of the figurehead and all the ornaments.

The ship can be rented for meetings, events, parties and tailor-made sailing routes.

Source: gentsebarge.be/nl/de-barge/drijvend-erfgoed

Translated by Google •

Viviane

October 16, 2024

The Ghent barge was a historical passenger boat that was used from the 17th to the 19th century for transport between Ghent, Bruges and Ostend. It was a kind of horse-drawn barge, pulled by horses along towpaths on the rivers and canals. The barge offered a comfortable and relatively fast means of transport for travellers and goods, and was one of the most important forms of transport at that time.

These boats were luxuriously furnished, especially for the upper classes, with elegant salons, sofas and tables. Travelling with the barge took several hours, during which the passengers could enjoy the peace and comfort as they were pulled through the countryside. In the 19th century, the barge lost popularity due to the rise of the train, which was much faster.

Today, the Ghent barge is a symbol of the historical waterways of the city and the important role they played in the economic and social development of Ghent. A replica of the Ghent barge is on display at the Museum of Industrial Archaeology and Textiles (MIAT), where visitors can catch a glimpse of this iconic mode of travel.

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 40 m

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Location: Ghent, Gent, East Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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