Gent

25
September 2011

Last weekend with a valid time, I take the opportunity to go to Ghent.
We thought it was almost in summer so the world was present (much to my disarray !) and the temperatures not really in season.

Former capital of the County of Flanders, the city that saw the birth of Charles V has an incomparable historical heritage. A day to go around is far from enough.
The rise to the belfry will remain a "great" moment : lugging my equipment in a maze of narrow stairs, I braked the progress of tourists behind me. I must say that I appreciated that ! They didn't have to come to Ghent at the same time as me. Seriously !

Ghent's coat of arms

Ghent's coat of arms

After running like crazy in the Flemish city, I'll be well prepared to face a new week wildly exciting...

Pictures

Gent

Saint-Michael slaying the dragon.

Gent

The neo-Gothic post office from the Saint-Michel bridge.

Gent

The church Saint-Michael. Closed and in restoration.

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

Facades of Graslei.

Gent

 

Gent

Old main route for the Ghent trade, the Leie serves today to the pleasure of the tourists.

Gent

The famous enfilade of Ghent Towers.

Gent

Close up on the steeple of Saint-Nicholas.

Gent

Then comes the belfry...

Gent

... and the cathedral.

Gent

Near the demolition in the 19th century, the old church Saint-Nicholas has since been restored.

Gent

Here, a part of wall in full decadence. Before, it was the whole building that was in this state.

Gent

Inside, too, heavy work was needed.

Gent

Today, only the nave is still under restoration.

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

The influence of the Tournaisian architecture is very present in this church.

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

The back of the high altar.

Gent

Remains of the polychromic of the vaults.

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

At the foot of the belfry. It's gone for the climb of the 257 steps.

Gent

One of the rooms of the belfry.

Gent

The big drone Roland. Obviously, here we have his third version.

Gent

The beast weighs 5,6 tons !

Gent

Roland as a whole. This is the only bell on the floor.

Gent

One of the stairs is less than one meter wide.

Gent

Close-up of the unfinished spire of the cathedral.

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

The only view of the carillon, the room being closed by a window.

Gent

To go down again, we will prefer the lift !

Gent

The cloth hall, contiguous to the belfry.

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

Interior of Saint-Bavo. Photos are prohibited, you will only have two small images.

Gent

 

Gent

If the exterior isn't exceptional, the interior is quite different. This is one of the most beautiful churches I have visited.

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

The episcopal palace.

Gent

Castle of Gerard the Devil. Dating from the 13th century, it was the property of a Ghent knight, before passing into the hands of the City.

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

City Hall. Built in two stages, we see the confrontation between Gothic and Renaissance style.

Gent

The Gothic part, well blackened by pollution.

Gent

 

Gent

 

Gent

The Groot Vleeshuis, or meat market. Completed in 1419, along the Leie.

Gent

The Gravensteen, or Castle of the Counts.

Gent

Founded in the 9th century, it also nearly disappeared in the 19th century.

Gent

Finally, it has been restored and its appearance will be somewhat modified. It remains nevertheless one of the most beautiful medieval castles of Belgium.

Gent

Lacking time (and energy), I'll not visit it.

Gent

 

Gent

Some places have nothing to envy to the romanticism of Bruges.

Gent

Waiting for the return train.

Gent

End of the weekend !



Related page

Comments

Pas encore de commentaire • No comment yet
Soyez le premier & devenez quelqu’un de bien • Be the first & become a good person

2500