On the way from Sint-Pieters railway station to the Graslei and Korenlei embankments lies Citadel Park — a green witness to two centuries of Ghent`s turbulent history. Its name refers to the powerful Dutch fortress built here in the 19th century on the orders of the Duke of Wellington. Today, however, this is not a military stronghold, but the largest and oldest park in the city, stretching over an area of about 15 hectares.
From Fortress to Oasis: History of the Park in Ghent
The park`s name recalls the turbulent military past of this place. Between 1819 and 1831, on the highest point between the Lys and Scheldt rivers, the Dutch built a powerful pentagonal citadel. This fortress, covering an area of 43 hectares, was considered one of the largest and most modern in Europe and was constructed at the insistence of the Duke of Wellington himself for defense against the French. However, the citadel never fulfilled its defensive function — it was completed only after the Dutch had left and served mainly as barracks.
In 1870, the city bought the site, and a new chapter began in the history of this place. Landscape architect Hubert Van Hulle, the chief curator of the city`s botanical garden, designed the park in the then-fashionable English landscape style. In 1875, tree planting began, and within just a few years, the former military training ground was transformed into a picturesque oasis. In 1913, when Ghent hosted the World`s Fair, the park acquired its modern appearance — by this time, the Festival Palace and the Museum of Fine Arts had been built.
Today, Citadel Park is a protected landscape — a unique natural corner in the very heart of the city.
Dendrological Wealth
Citadel Park is a true paradise for botany enthusiasts. Around 1,253 trees grow here, belonging to 100 different species, 38 of which are considered rare. Many specimens impress with their age and size.
Among the park`s most valuable trees are:
• A Dutch elm over 34 meters tall with a trunk circumference of about 3.9 meters
• An American oak with a trunk circumference of over 3.3 meters
• A weeping beech with a trunk circumference of about 3 meters
• Rare specimens of yellowwood, hardy rubber tree, and Persian ironwood
As you stroll along the winding paths of the park, look out for the nameplates on the trees — they will help you learn more about each unique specimen.
Architecture and Sculptures of Citadel Park
Citadel Gateways
The only remaining fragment of the Dutch fortress is the monumental entrance gate, built in 1826. It is located in the eastern part of the park and serves as a silent witness to the military history of this place.
Festival Palace and Kuipke Velodrome
In the center of the park stands the Festival Palace, built in 1912–1913 to a design by architect Oscar Van de Voorde especially for the World`s Fair. Inside this monumental building is the famous Kuipke velodrome, opened in 1927.
The name "Kuipke" translates from Flemish as "little tub" — and it perfectly describes the unusual construction of the track. The velodrome track is only 167 metres long, and its steep bankings create unique conditions for racers. It is here, every November, that the famous "Six Days of Ghent" take place — a prestigious cycling race that attracts the world`s best track cyclists.
In 1962, the original building burned to the ground, but in 1965 a new velodrome was built on the site, preserving the historical name and unique track parameters. Today, Kuipke is not only a sports arena but also a popular concert venue. Over the years, Louis Armstrong has performed here, and in 2014, it hosted the filming of the Flemish version of the show "The Voice."
Open-Air Theatre
In the southern part of Citadel Park, in a place known as "The Shell," an open-air theatre was built in 1945. Until 1959, theatrical performances were regularly held here, and today this picturesque venue is used for summer concerts and cultural events.
Park Sculptures
Notable sculptural compositions are scattered throughout Citadel Park. The most famous of these is "Tigers Dividing Their Prey," created in 1910 by sculptor Jacques de Lalaing. This dramatic group of two predators fighting over their catch invariably draws the attention of visitors. Monuments dedicated to the events of the First World War are also located in the park, including a memorial in memory of those who fell in 1914–1918.
Museums in Citadel Park
Museum of Fine Arts
On the eastern edge of the park, with its façade facing the Nicolas de Liemaeckere Square, stands the Museum of Fine Arts — the oldest art museum in Belgium. The Neo-Classical building was designed by architect Charles van Rysselberghe and was solemnly opened in 1904 in the presence of King Leopold II.
The museum`s collection spans the period from the 17th century to the early 20th century and includes:
• Masterpieces of Flemish masters — Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens
• Early Netherlandish works, including "The Carrying of the Cross" by Hieronymus Bosch
• French painting, including Théodore Géricault`s "Portrait of a Kleptomaniac"
• An extensive collection of 19th and 20th century Belgian art — Symbolism, Expressionism, Surrealism
• Magnificent 17th-century tapestries from the Castle of the Counts of Flanders
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 18:00. It can be reached by tram or bus to the "Heuvelpoort" stop.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Opposite the Museum of Fine Arts, in the former casino building, is the Museum of Contemporary Art. This is one of the leading centres of contemporary art in Europe. Its collection features works by such global stars as Andy Warhol, Christo Yavacheff, as well as leading Belgian artists.
Ghent University Botanical Garden
Adjacent to the southeastern edge of Citadel Park is the Ghent University Botanical Garden, founded about two hundred years ago. Spread over an area of about three hectares, it includes:
• The Palm Greenhouse
• The Victorian Winter Garden
• The Orangery Garden
• The Rock Garden
• Several greenhouses with rare plants
In total, over ten thousand plant species grow here. The botanical garden`s opening hours: weekdays from 9:00 to 16:30, weekends from 9:00 to 12:00.
The Park Today: Leisure and Recreation
Citadel Park in Ghent is not only a historical and cultural reserve but also a favourite recreation spot for city residents. Here you will find:
• Children`s playgrounds
• Spacious lawns for picnics
• Picturesque ponds with waterfalls and artificial grottos
• A rose garden with a fan-shaped layout, created in 1930
• Winding paths, perfect for walks and jogs
In summer, concerts are regularly held on the park`s cast-iron stage, while temporary exhibitions and events are organised in the historic halls of the Festival Palace.
Useful Tips for Visitors
How to get there: The park is located between Sint-Pieters station and the historic centre. From the centre, you can walk for about 20–30 minutes; from the station, it takes about 10–15 minutes.
Visiting time: The park is open 24 hours a day. However, local residents recommend visiting during daylight hours — after dark, the park has a reputation for being unsafe.
Amenities: There is a café, toilets, and plenty of benches for resting in the park.
Planning your route: To see all of the park`s attractions — the museums, sculptures, botanical garden, and velodrome — allow at least 2–3 hours.
Citadel Park — the oldest and largest city park — invites you for a stroll across 15 hectares of greenery, history, and culture. Here, on the site of the former Dutch fortress, two museums, a legendary velodrome, rare dendrological collections, and picturesque ponds are now located.
