Ghent

Ghent (Gent in flemish, Gand in french) is the main city of East-Flanders, one of the 4 (5?) provinces that make up Flanders. And my home town, which is why it's in here :-)

(105K) Ghent by night

A beautiful picture of the "three towers of ghent", probably one of the most photographed views of the city. From left to right you see:

At the far left: corner of the Post Office, built in 1910 in neo-gothic style.
The Saint Nicholas Church, built 12th-14th century in pure Schelde-gothic style. A marvelous church with a troubled past: the original church built around 1050 was destroyed in two subsequent fires in the 12th century, the newly erected church threatened to collapse in the 14th century and needed reinforcement, used as a horse stable during the French Revolution, and again badly in need of reinforcement this century. The church is getting into its last stages of restoration at the moment.
The Belfort (13th century) and Lace Hall (15th century). The Belfort ("belfry") was a symbol of the power of the guilds and the city. In the lowest room were kept the precious charters and documents granting privileges to the city and its merchants. The carillon in the tower has 44 bells and is one of the finest in Europe. The enormous copper dragon on top of the spire dates from 1377.
The Saint Baaf Cathedral, built 1274-1569, principal cathedral of Ghent. The emperor Charles V was baptized in this church. It also houses one of the most important Flemish paintings, "The Adoration of the Lamb of God" by Jan and Hubert Van Eyk.

<70K> Another view of the Belfort

Looking from a different angle: Saint Nicholas Church would be to your right, Saint Baaf Cathedral to your left. The building on the right in the foreground is the City Hall, showing a mix of styles spanning six centuries of construction. This is where the Pacification of Ghent, a peace treaty between Protestants and Catholics, was signed in 1576.

The picture of the Belfort was taken by a friend of mine, Francoise Beaufays, during the Gentse Feesten ("Festivities of Ghent") this summer. This is a yearly 10-day festival during the week of the 21st of July (Belgian national holiday celebrating the ascension of King Leopold to the throne in 1831). Do drop by if you're in the area!! 10 days of partying, fireworks, free bands playing on about 10 different podia throughout the city, fairs, markets, street theater, jugglers, and lots and lots of happy people.

<48K> The Castle of the Counts

A true medieval castle in the middle of the city! The original castle was built around 868 by Count Baldwin I, rebuilt and expanded by the Count of Flanders around 1180. The Gravensteen was the seat of the Council of Flanders. Inside, you can visit the torture chambers (complete with thumbscrews, a rack, executioners swords etc). Throw a penny in the oubliette...

The three large flags on top are (left to right) the flag of Flanders, the flag of the province of East Flanders and the Belgian flag. In front you can barely make out another Flemish flag, and the blue European Community flag.