Tuesday, August 7, 2012

In Ghent, Belgium

We were in Belgium this past weekend and we visited Ghent for the first time.

Ghent, a medieval town in the north-west of the Flemish region of Belgium, was one of the largest and richest cities in Northern Europe in the Middle Ages.

Its architecture is magnificent and most of the medieval buildings remain intact.




The Ghent harbor in the historical center. The most beautiful part of the city.
The Graslei and the Korenlei are the names of the two streets that lie along the banks of the harbor of Ghent.




Medieval building facades on the Graslei.




The Gravensteen; the castle of the Count. It was built around 1180 by count Philip of Alsace.




View from one of the castle's arrow loops.




Views of Ghent from the top of the castle.




Sint-Veerleplein (St. Veerle square) opposite the castle, where they used to perform public executions.




Vrijdagmarkt (Friday market) square, was once the main square of Ghent.
Bond Moyson, the Socialist Building and the statue of Jacob van Artevelde, a 14th century Flemish political leader.




Along the river Leie (Lys). A favorite place for a number of painters in the early 1900's.




Three medieval towers that overlook the old city of Ghent.
The Belfry of Ghent, Sint Baafskathedraal (St. Bavo Cathedral) and Sint-Niklaaskerk (St. Nicholas church).




Ghent's public theater building.




Strolling around Ghent.



Our trip of course included lots of chocolates and beers, like last year. When in Belgium...


See you soon!


6 comments:

  1. Ghent is my hometown! :)
    I loooove Ghent! Beautiful pictures!

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  2. Wow, Magda... Ghent is gorgeous, through your lens.

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  3. Unbelievable how well-preserved this medieval architecture is! It is truly a step back in time, and strolling through this city must have felt magical. Thanks for sharing it!

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  4. Denise — I'm glad you liked the photos!

    Joumana — it was truly magical. A fantastic city!

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  5. So beautiful! And the chocolate... oh, to have a piece right now to start my day! Thanks for the lovely post! ~ David

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