Travels in Belgium: Gent (June 6, 2014)

Ghent, Belgium (2014)

Attractions:

St. Bavo’s Cathedral and Van Eyck’s Adoration of the Lamb
City Hall
City Pavilion

During our travels in Belgium, we had a brief interlude in Ghent before we approached the capital, Brussels. As one of the largest cities located in the Flanders region of Belgium, Ghent is an important port and center of the flower export trade. Its medieval buildings and St. Bavo’s Cathedral are the main highlights.

City Pavilion in Ghent, Belgium (2014)

On our way towards the cathedral, we passed by the City Pavilion—a relatively new structure of wood and glass that is used for concerts, dance performances, and markets. There is also a hidden café that is underneath the structure called the “Belfort Stadscafé en Stadsrestaurant.”

City Hall of Ghent, Belgium (2014)

The city hall nearby is representative of the major European architectural styles: Gothic and Renaissance. Here many couples come to get married.

St. Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium (2014)

Continuing onward through the streets, we made our way to the St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Our tour guide touched on the various elements of interest, including the Peter Paul Rubens’ triptych of Saint Bavo enters the convent at Ghent.

Adoration of the Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers (1432)

The main attraction is, of course, the Van Eyck brothers’ Adoration of the Lamb (1432) altarpiece. The altarpiece is currently under restoration so we could only see two-thirds of the altarpiece on display. This exhibit is a special one costing 4 euros per person (including the audio guide).

The masterpiece is well worth seeing. The details that the Van Eyck brothers painted are very fine and exquisite.