The (in)visible traces of Ghent's circus past

Ghent has a special connection with circus. The city used to be the place to be as a circus lover. The Halfastfoor, the Ghent equestrian society Le Cercle Equestre, the Hippodrome 'De Drie Sleutels' and the Nieuw Circus were part of the basis of a flourishing circus life in Flanders. Not only the prestigious buildings put Ghent on the map. A lot of Ghent circus artists were there for a reason. Many famous circus directors and internationally renowned artists came from Ghent.

If you walk through Ghent today, you will still see some physical traces that testify to the city's vibrant circus past. Others have since disappeared, but behind the new facades, in street names or on squares there are still a lot of stories. Find out in this city walk why Ghent is called the circus city of Flanders.


This walk is an initiative of the Huis van Alijn, museum of everyday life.
The Huis van Alijn preserves a large circus collection and researches this theme.
Want to know more? Find out more about the circus past at www.huisvanalijn.be


Would you like a physical walking map? Pick them up for free at the counter of the museum (Kraanlei 65, 9000 Ghent) or at the Visit Gent office (Sint-Veerleplein 5, 9000 Ghent).

📏 3.12km
🕑 1hr
⭐ Easy
📍 Woodrow Wilsonplein, 9000 Ghent
🏁 Woodrow Wilsonplein, 9000 Ghent