Dulle Griet, Ghent

Historic Site, Monument and Square in Ghent

Dulle Griet
Dulle Griet
CC BY-SA 4.0 / EmDee

Dulle Griet in Ghent is a medieval bombard displayed outdoors on Grootkanonplein, where it stands as a large historic monument rather than a museum exhibit. The name also refers to a figure from Flemish folklore, which gives the site an extra layer of local character.

What visitors notice first is the gun’s size and red finish, then the fact that it is presented in the middle of the square instead of behind glass. It suits travelers who enjoy short, unusual stops, older military technology, or a quick detour between Ghent’s central sights.

History and Significance of the Dulle Griet

Dulle Griet belongs to the world of late medieval artillery, when bombards were built for siege warfare and could fire very large projectiles. The Ghent piece dates from the early 15th century and is associated with arms dealer Jean Cambier, who is often linked to its making.

The bombard in warfare

As a weapon, it was used in the siege of Oudenaarde in 1452. The attackers eventually withdrew and left the gun behind, after which it was later returned in 1578.

From weapon to monument

Today the bombard no longer functions as a weapon and is displayed as a historic object in the city. Its original nickname, the Red Devil, came from its color, and the current setting makes it easy to read as both a military relic and a civic landmark.

Things to See and Do in the Dulle Griet

The main thing to do here is simply stand back and take in the scale of the bombard. I found that its size is easiest to appreciate from a few steps away, where the body of the gun, the supports, and the open square all read together.

Look for the bluestone brackets and the way the red metal contrasts with the surrounding pavement. If you like small details, the object rewards a slower look than you might expect from a quick street-side stop.

This is not a place that needs a long visit, but it does work well as a pause while walking through central Ghent. It is especially useful if you want one memorable historic object rather than a full indoor attraction.

How to Get to the Dulle Griet

Ghent is typically reached through Brussels Airport or Antwerp Airport, then continued by rail or road into the city. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ghent on Booking.com.

Ghent has strong train connections, with frequent services from Brussels and other Belgian cities making the city centre easy to reach. Train tickets and schedules can be found directly on the SNCB/NMBS website for Belgian services. For a more convenient experience, consider using Omio, where you can easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets in one place.

If you are driving, it usually makes more sense to park outside the tightest historic core and continue on foot, since central streets can be awkward for short visits. If you are looking to rent a car in Belgium I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Is the Dulle Griet Worth Visiting?

Dulle Griet is worth a short stop if you like unusual artifacts and compact city sights, but it is not a priority for travelers who want interiors, major museums, or a long list of things to do. Treat it as a quick optional detour that fits naturally into a walk through Ghent's centre.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (7,608)

Cozy bar with hundreds of varieties of Belgian brews, from rare Trappist beers to red ale & porter.

Alon Danino
2 months ago
"An absolutely amazing and legendary bar. Plenty of seating, an incredible selection of beers - including great gluten-free options - excellentservice, and a fantastic atmosphere. We visited on two different evenings: once on the weekend, when we waited about 10 minutes for a table, and once on a Monday when there was no wait at all. Highly recommended and definitely a must-visit in Ghent...."
Bjoern Franzen
2 months ago
"Loved this place. We had some beers and finger food here during a sudden snow storm. It was super cozy, the beers were great, so were the salami andcheese board. Very rustic atmosphere. If you order a specific beer you have to leave a boot as deposit, which is out into a basket and lifted up to the ceiling until you pay your bill...."
TIM SCHOFIELD
6 months ago
"Fantastic chilled vibe. A huge selection of beers. If they do not have a Belgium brewed beer here do you want it !!!! So many choices. It is fun tohave the large beer which is 1.2l and comes in a stand.....the price you must give a shoe to be held in the basket which is hoisted up in the roof!!!! So wear good socks!! Great fun and good beer choices make this a ideal spot to visit. It can get very busy here too so make time if you need to re visit...."
Kerem Karagöz
4 months ago
"Lots of different beers, tasted 3 different beers here. Loved the cherry one (Kriek Lindemans), Barbar Blond has a hint of honey, and St. Bernarduswas the one with most alcohol content. Would recommend the place..."
Lebriz Erdemir
6 months ago
"Great selection of beers and nice atmosphere. Wish there could be more explanation or indication next to the beers as they have a great amount ofvariety. We tried different beers and liked them all...."

Practical Tips on Visiting the Dulle Griet

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Daylight makes it easier to study the bombard’s scale and details. Early morning or late afternoon is usually best if you want fewer people in the square.
  • How long to spend: Plan 10 to 20 minutes for a quick look, or a little longer if you like photographing historic objects.
  • Accessibility: It is an outdoor stop on a square, so the approach is generally straightforward, but surface conditions can vary and the area is best checked on foot if mobility is limited.
  • Facilities: There are no dedicated visitor facilities at the monument itself. Cafés, restrooms, and other services are easier to find nearby in central Ghent.

Where to Stay Close to the Dulle Griet

The best base for this stop is Ghent's historic centre, since that keeps you close to the main sights and lets you combine Dulle Griet with a broader city walk. If you prefer easy walking access over driving convenience, staying central usually makes the most sense.

For travelers who want to stay right in the old town, Ghent Marriott Hotel works well for walkability and a polished, central base. NH Gent Belfort is a practical choice if you want to be close to major landmarks and don’t mind a busier setting. If you prefer a quieter, design-led stay a little away from the busiest squares, Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent suits travelers who want comfort and a calmer atmosphere.

FAQs for Visiting the Dulle Griet

Getting There

Dulle Griet stands on Grootkanonplein in Ghent’s central area, within easy reach of the historic core on foot.
The simplest route is usually a direct walk through the old town streets toward Grootkanonplein, with the final approach depending on where you start in the centre.
From the station, you can take local transport into the centre or walk if you have time; the stop is more convenient once you are already in the historic area.
Parking in the centre can be inconvenient for a short visit, so driving is usually not the best way to approach this particular stop.

Tickets & Entry

The bombard is displayed outdoors, so viewing it from the square is free and does not require a ticket.
No advance booking is needed for the exterior viewing area.

Visiting Experience

Ten to 20 minutes is enough for most visitors unless they want to photograph the object or combine it with nearby walking.
Yes, but mainly as a brief add-on to a central Ghent itinerary rather than as a main attraction.
Yes, especially if you want to capture the bombard’s scale against the open square and nearby streets.

Accessibility & Facilities

The site is outdoors and relatively simple to approach, though exact ease depends on the paving and pedestrian conditions in the surrounding streets.
There are no dedicated facilities at the monument itself, so nearby cafés or public amenities are the practical option.

Food & Breaks Nearby

The surrounding central Ghent streets are the easiest place to find a café, snack stop, or a longer lunch break after a short visit.

Safety & Timing

The stop is in a central city area, so it is generally best visited when the surrounding streets are active and well lit.

The Dulle Griet appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ghent!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Vrijdagmarkt 50, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Ghent: 1 km

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