- Sint Bavo’s Cathedral (https://www.sintbaafskathedraal.be/en/)
This beautiful 13th century Gothic cathedral is definitely worth a visit. It is home to the world famous Ghent Altarpiece (aka the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by the Van Eyck brothers. Finished in 1432, it revolutionized the art of oil painting. Parts of it are being restorated. You can actually watch the restoration process in the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) Ghent. More information: https://www.mskgent.be/en/exhibitions/restoration-ghent-altarpiece.
PS The bottom left panel was stolen in 1934 and has never been found (it has been replaced with a copy). It's a hugely popular target for amateur sleuths. The case is still open!
- The Castle of the Counts, aka the Gravensteen (https://historischehuizen.stad.gent/en/castle-counts)
Heavily restorated to make it reassume its midieval splendor, a visit to the castle that once housed the counts of Flanders should be high on your to-do list. - The boats of Ghent (https://visit.gent.be/en/see-do/de-bootjes-van-gent-rederij-dewaele)
No better way to explore Ghent’s historical center than the boats of Ghent: small, open-top boats (you get an umbrella) with a tour guide.
- The Fine Arts Museum, aka MSK (https://www.mskgent.be/en)
The museum houses a high quality collection of fine art, including masterpieces by Flemish impressionists like Emile Claus. It is also the place where panels of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting by the Van Eyck brothers are being restorated. You can watch the actual restoration work (behind glass).
- The Museum of Contemporary Art, aka SMAK (https://smak.be/en)
Get your mind blown by this unsurpassed collection of contemporary art. From Marcel Broodthaers’ “289 eggs” to Panamarenko’s Doodlebug and beyond. Expect the weird, you won’t be disappointed!
- You can learn more about the city of Ghent in the STAdsMuseum, or City Museum (https://stamgent.be/en).
- The trafic-free historical center
Walk around. Look around. Go shopping. Sit down and have a drink while you watch the people hury by. Relax, enjoy ...
