Virginie Loveling-walk

Walk along with Walkotopia and discover the history of Ghent during the Grote Oorlog. De Gentse historian Leentje Van Hoorde takes you in the footsteps of Virginie Loveling, from the Loveling tower near her former home to the city center. Virginie Loveling wrote down her impressions of Ghent as an occupied city for four years during WWI. Between 1914 and 1918, Ghent was the logistical hub of the German army and housed a large group of refugees. The city shook to its foundations and Loveling was terrified. Keeping a diary was strictly forbidden. Out of necessity, she became increasingly creative in finding hiding places for her forbidden texts. The De Loveling walk takes you back to the Ghent of refugees, emergency hospitals, starving workers, clever smugglers, imprisoned prostitutes, profiteering officers, and scared soldiers with homesickness. Organised by Walkotopia Activity Members: Leentje Van Hoorde