A peaceful neighbourhood built on the site of the castle where Emperor Charles V was said to have been born in 1500. You can start off in the Den Tap en den Tepel ('The Tap and Teat') pub by trying some local beers. The proprietor is a fanatical idealist who uses his pub to launch his ideas. At least he usually gets a good hearing after customers have indulged in a number of local beers.

Turn into the Prinsenhof.

There is a statue of Emperor Charles V in the little square and a model of the castle that once stood here. The two towers are all that remain of the Prinsenhof. Next to the towers there are typical workers' cottages which are still lived in.

Walk through the Donkere Poort (Dark Gate) and cross over the Lieve canal.

The military fortification Rabot is on your right and everywhere there are the ruins of old cotton mills. Many workers died of cancer here at the end of the 19th century.

Turn right and continue to follow the water.

The little Brug der Keizerlijke Geneugten is a sculpture by Walter De Buck depicting a number of episodes from the life and legends of Emperor Charles V. A magnificent view of the Lieve canal and the Gravensteen awaits you at the next bridge.

Continue along the Lieve canal on the Lievekaai.

Enjoy the lovely old and modern houses that blend together beautifully here. The author Hugo Claus once lived in the corner house with the stepped gable. The monastery on the opposite side is a place of pilgrimage dedicated to the Blessed Rita (patron saint of expectant mothers), but the cells are let to students. If you continue straight on along St Widowstraat you pass even more wonderful little houses, and you have now come back to your starting point.