Ghent & Flemish Gems

This towering Gothic cathedral in Ghent contains some remarkable artwork, the most influential of which is the 15^th century painting The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers. This visionary work of art depicting the heavenly apotheosis of Man’s salvation is allegedly one of the most often stolen works of art in history.

An easy city to explore, Ghent is known for its world-renowned art, lavish history, beautiful Gothic architecture, ancient monuments and numerous museums. From the Museum of Industry relating the important of cloth-making to the University Museum with its extensive heritage collections. STAM Ghent City Museum is a walk through the city’s fascinating history back to the 14^th century. Or visit the mysterious 12th century ‘Castle of the Counts’ to find out about its turbulent past. See the city’s charming houses from its pretty network of waterways with a relaxing boat trip before browsing some of the shops and markets around its expansive pedestrianised shopping area. Art lovers will delight in the iconic Museum of Fine Arts, the oldest museum in Belgium featuring old masters and modernists. Not to be forgotten are the historic breweries of Ghent and the friendly bars and cafes.

In the Rubens Experience, immersive images and sounds bring Rubens’s story alive in a way that is interactive, accessible and educational at the same time. For anyone who wants to experience the life and works of this Antwerp artist at close quarters.

Belgium’s port city on the River Scheldt dates back to the Middle Ages and blends historical and cultural charm with a vibrant atmosphere. There’s so much to see from the Royal Museum of Fine Arts housing art from seven centuries to the city centre with the centuries-old Diamond District and Flemish Renaissance architecture. Explore the old town’s famous Grote Markt or the 17th-century period rooms in the Rubens House displaying works by the Flemish Baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens. Or watch the world go by with a craft beer or coffee at one of the many tempting cafes.

Visitors to the Groeninge Museum can soak up the history of Belgian visual art with top-class paintings by world-renowned Flemish artists. In this museum, you can see amongst other masterpieces, Madonna with Canon Joris Van der Paele by Jan van Eyck and the Moreel Triptych by Hans Memling. One of the most beautiful worldwide collections, marvel at gems from Renaissance and Baroque masters, Bruges neo-classical canvasses from the 18th and 19th centuries and masterpieces by the Flemish expressionists.

Belgium’s well-known small medieval city of Bruges is known not only for its stunning architecture and famous Markt Square but also its Belgian beer, waffles and delicious chocolate! A UNESCO World Heritage city, enjoy the charming centre with cobbled streets or explore the Belfry Tower and City Hall.

One of the most delicious sounding museums, Bruges’ Choco Story brings the 5,500-year history of chocolate to life in words, images and taste. A sensory journey through time, where you not only look, but also smell and taste the chocolate! Set over three levels, the museum tells the origin and evolution of chocolate through a unique collection.

Step into the enchanting world of the former international boarding school for girls in Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver. Let yourself be guided along impressive highlights of the historic building complex and visit the breathtaking Winter Garden from 1900 in art-nouveau style. The magnificent stained-glass dome creates a magical play of light and colour and will undoubtedly leave you in awe.

Smaller than the rest of Belgium’s historic cities, Mechelen, the city of art on the River Dyle is definitely still worth a visit. Wander the little streets and stand in the Grote Markt in the shadow of the imposing 13th century St Rumbold’s Cathedral. Or explore the Hof van Busleyden city palace, an amazing example of the 15th & 16th century aristocratic architecture of Belgium.