Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is a romantic town in Belgium.  My favorite attractions are all within easy walking distance of each other.  We parked in an underground parking garage with a charger for our electric car.  The most important thing I wanted to see was the Ghent Altarpiece, which is in the Saint Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent.  It is also known as Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.  Perhaps what made the Altarpiece so famous is that it was stolen by the Nazis during World War 2, and was recovered by the Monuments Men.  This is featured in the movie, "Monuments Men."  Now the Altarpiece is on display in a sealed glass case and there is a charge to see the Altarpiece, although it is free to enter the cathedral itself.

Ghent Altarpiece

The dark room where the Altarpiece is on display behind glass

Saint Bavo Cathedral

Inside Saint Bavo's Cathedral

Church of Saint Nicholas

Only steps away from the Saint Bavo Cathedral is the Church of Saint Nicholas.  Outside the church is  a bell, which is said to be the third oldest bell in the world.  There were also dragons set up outside the church, and my grandsons enjoyed The Fountain of Kneeling Youth outside the church.  When we visited the church, the choir was warming up for a concert later that night.

Church of Saint Nicholas

Dragons outside the Church of Saint Nicholas

The Fountain of Kneeling Youths

Bell outside the Church of Saint Nicholas, said to be the 3rd oldest bell in the world

When we were there a ferris wheel was set up next to the Church of Saint Nicholas

Gravensteen Castle

Just a few minutes' walk from the Church of Saint Nicholas is a medieval castle, Gravensteen Castle, or Castle of the Counts.  It dates back to 1180.  It costs 13 euro per adult to enter.  

Windy stairs take you to the roof

view from the roof

Graffiti Street

An alley full of graffiti in the center of Ghent, that may require google maps to find, is worth a walk-through on your visit to Ghent.  Authorities turn a blind eye to young graffiti artists who decorate this alley-way.  It is full of color and some expert, and others novice, works of art spray painted on the walls.

entrance to Graffiti Street

entrance on the other side to Graffiti Street

Ghent Bellfry

Ghent Townhall

Walking around Ghent

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These sculptures are made completely of silverware

Statue of Jacob Van Artevelde 

statue of Lieven Bauwens