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.