After 3 planes and about a day's worth of travelling my Mom arrived in Brussels for a visit. We are having a great time playing tourist. Yesterday we drove to the little town of Ghent, in the heart of Flanders, Belgium. Back in the 14th century Ghent was the second-largest city north of the Alps (only Paris was bigger).
Ghent is built over the waterways of the Leie and the Scheldt. There is a beautiful view of the town from St. Michael's bridge.
Flowers were in bloom all over the town
In the heart of Ghent is the large and gloomy Gravensteen castle, built in 1180. It once was a residence for the Counts of Flanders, and after the 14th century it was turned into a dungeon with torture chambers and guillotines.
After the sun came out we picnicked inside the castle walls
Grayson's fascination with fountains continues . . .
In St. Bavo's Cathedral is Jan van Eyck's Adoration of the Holy Lamb, a multi-panelled work of art that was painted between 1425 and 1432. It is regarded as the greatest masterpiece of early Flemish art and is one of the most famous paintings in the world. We were very fortunate that Grayson decided to fall asleep right before we arrived, so we could thoroughly enjoy this amazing work of art. Back when my Mom was an art history major in college she trecked to Ghent just to see this piece, which is also known as the Ghent Altarpiece.
One of the many canals in Ghent
The Belfort bell tower
Another view from St. Michael's bridge
Aaah, Ghent - we LOVED this charming town!
