The Chocolate Museum is for all who love this beneficial, delicious confection, and even for those who don't. Choco Story tells of the botany surrounding cacao, information about the history, geography and some recipes used by artisans across Belgium are given. The building the museum is housed in is also a delight, the Huis de Croon dates from around 1480, additionally, the visitor can of course find a gift shop and join workshops on the preparation of chocolate.
The cathedral of Sint-Baafskathedraal - Gent, is solely dedicated to a Belgian Orthodox saint, Saint Bavo of Ghent. The cathedral is one of the oldest standing religious structures in the city, and a member in the Diocese. Noted attractions at the cathedral include the 95 meter (311 feet) tall tower (accessible only during the festival), the "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" painting and its massive altarpiece. The cathedral is a major tourist destination during the month of July, and that's when a large number of devotees head here for the Ghent Festivities.
Museum of Fine Arts, located near the Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst, houses some of the finest paintings from the 15th Century. Primarily showcasing paintings from the 15th to 20th Century, Museum voor Schone Kunsten as it is locally known, has nurtured the greatest of art works by the masters. Apart from time tested paintings, Museum of Fine Arts also exhibits paintings by established artists of the current times.
The Belfry of Ghent towers proudly over the historic city, standing as a monumental landmark that signifies autonomy and freedom. Soaring at a height of 91 meters (298.5 feet), this tower is among the city's tallest, along with the Saint Bavo Cathedral and Saint Nicholas' Church. The belfry took all of 67 years to reach completion and has stood testament to the changes that occurred to the city from 1313 and in the years that followed. While it was architect Jan van Haelst who designed the tower, the tower's most striking feature – the neo-gothic spire – was added much later in 1851. The top of the tower also features a beautifully intricate gilded dragon that was bought over from Bruges. Owing to its magnificence and its administrative contribution to the city of Ghent during one time, the belfry was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1999.
Den idealen Ausgangspunkt für eine kulturelle Entdeckungsreise der Stadt Gent findet man im Stadtmuseum, wo die Geschichte Gents anhand von lokalem Kunsthandwerk anschaulich und informativ präsentiert wird. Das im mittelalterlichen Bijloke-Kloster eingezogene Museum ist ein absoluter Publikumsliebling und sollte bei keinem Stadtbesuch fehlen.
Resembling a larger than life sandcastle, Gravensteen dominates its surroundings with unquestionable elegance and poise. Built by Philip Alsace in the late 12th Century, it is steeped in a tumultuous history and is a historical and architectural treasure in the city of Ghent. Also known as the 'Castle of the Counts', this formidable Medieval structure was built on the site of a former wooden castle that belonged to the Counts of Flanders at one time. Salient features of the Gravensteen include an exceptional stone staircase, a mighty moat that guards the entrance, and the facade that features Tournai limestone detailing. Inside, the castle encompasses a court museum, dungeons, and an impressive collection of weapons. Gravensteen is also home to the Museum of Judicial Objects, which comprises materials that were used for punitive measures. Owing to Gravensteen's dramatic setting, it was the backdrop for the BBC drama series The White Queen, and the 2015 movie Emperor that starred Adrien Brody.
Spread over a large and wide area near the southern coast of Oostende, the Atlantic Wall Open Air Museum houses a number of original trenches, batteries and bunkers from World War I and World War II, preserved as national monuments by Prince Charles, Count of Flanders. Aircrafts, machine guns, tanks, weapons, helmets etc. are on display here, many of them preserved in their original settings.
Take in the beautiful sights dotting this charming city's rustic landscape, from famous canal boat tours in Bruges. The Boottochten Brugge takes you on an enchanting 30-minute ride along the waters of the Venice of the North, an experience that is both exhilarating and calming at once. The tour typically operates only during the warmer months between May and October, when playful sunlight perfectly harmonizes with the waters of the canal, creating stunning light in which to view the city. A guided tour of the points of interest is offered in four languages, and the boat accommodates all of 20 people. Incredibly reasonably priced, the Boottochten Brugge is one of the least expensive ways to enjoy the city's landscape, and is considered a 'must-do' during your stay here.
Museum of Fine Arts, located near the Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst, houses some of the finest paintings from the 15th Century. Primarily showcasing paintings from the 15th to 20th Century, Museum voor Schone Kunsten as it is locally known, has nurtured the greatest of art works by the masters. Apart from time tested paintings, Museum of Fine Arts also exhibits paintings by established artists of the current times.
Located in the posh suburb of Sint-Andries, and on the grounds of the Beisbroek Castle, the Observatory is West-Flander's guide to the stars. There are a large number of telescopes (including one that allows the visitor to see solar prominences), a planetarium and a library; all alongside interactive exhibits and activities that allow young ones to discover the wonder and awe of the universe around them.
The cathedral of Sint-Baafskathedraal - Gent, is solely dedicated to a Belgian Orthodox saint, Saint Bavo of Ghent. The cathedral is one of the oldest standing religious structures in the city, and a member in the Diocese. Noted attractions at the cathedral include the 95 meter (311 feet) tall tower (accessible only during the festival), the "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" painting and its massive altarpiece. The cathedral is a major tourist destination during the month of July, and that's when a large number of devotees head here for the Ghent Festivities.
The Belfry of Ghent towers proudly over the historic city, standing as a monumental landmark that signifies autonomy and freedom. Soaring at a height of 91 meters (298.5 feet), this tower is among the city's tallest, along with the Saint Bavo Cathedral and Saint Nicholas' Church. The belfry took all of 67 years to reach completion and has stood testament to the changes that occurred to the city from 1313 and in the years that followed. While it was architect Jan van Haelst who designed the tower, the tower's most striking feature – the neo-gothic spire – was added much later in 1851. The top of the tower also features a beautifully intricate gilded dragon that was bought over from Bruges. Owing to its magnificence and its administrative contribution to the city of Ghent during one time, the belfry was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1999.