Medieval buildings Graslei in Gent

In 1453 the burghers of Ghent were defeated by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy and became part of the extensive Burgundian territories. These passed to the Habsburgs through complicated dynastic moves.

In 1500 Juana of Castile gave birth to Charles V in Ghent, who became Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain. The culture and courtly life of the Burgundian Low Countries were an important influence on him as he grew up. He spoke French and Flemish, as well as Spanish.

Despite this upbringing in 1539 after the Revolt of Ghent he obliged the city's nobles to walk in front of him, barefoot with a noose around their necks. The citizens of Ghent call themselves stroppendragers (noose bearers) in commemoration of the event.

This view shows the medieval harbour of Gent with these harbour buildings on the Graslei facing a similar stunning row on the Korenlei opposite.