Looking Above, Ghent

We toured one of the Cathedral in Ghent and also stumbled upon a little market sale which was kind of fun. The cathedral was amazing and just beautiful. I am always amazed by these buildings.

Ghent, Belgium

Some very fun shots from Ghent, Belgium. 

Belfrey of Ghent

We had the luck of visiting the Belfrey of Ghent. It had spectacular views of old Ghent. It was build in 1313. This building was so beautiful and very tall. Worth the trip. As you can see from the views how much fun I had photographing.  A few links for you GHENT: The Belfry Tower - About.com

Ghent, The City and Lunch

I can't tell you how much I loved this city. It was pretty, funky and lots to photograph. Our Hotel was on the canal with a balcony. Very nice views. 

After our trip to the castle, we had lunch at a funky restaurant near our hotel and the castle. There were many painted animals around the restaurant. It seemed like a public art project. Some of the animals had some very cool colors and patterns.

We enjoyed a local beer made in Ghent called Augustijn Beer. Great choice and the history of the beer dates back to 1295

A very delicious Beef Carpaccio for me. I just love the way this looks and it was very yummy.

Kelly practices her pasta skills

Castle of the Counts, Ghent

Our hotel was within walking distance of the Castle of the Counts or Gravensteen. We made a visit to this castle that was built in the middle ages (1180). Pretty darn old. I am always amazed that buildings like these are still standing. Also being from united states were not much is over 350 years old.

The castle was built by Philip of Alsace. The castle was abandoned in 14th century, Gravensteen was then used as a courthouse, a prison and eventually decayed. The castle was restored in 1885.

Inside is a museum with various torture devices (and a guillotine) that were historically used in Ghent. A bit creepy but fascinating if you ask me

The castle offered great views of the city. It was a bit sunny, not ideal for photographing but that can't be helped. I would have loved to be photographing at sunset.

We all enjoyed roaming around the castle

Love the view from all the small windows, Like you were peeking at the City

The castle had these funky glass windows. They almost looked like bottle glass. They were colorful and very beautiful.

These are links on the history and photos of the Castle - GHENT: The Gravensteen, Images of the castle, and Destination 360.

Ghent, Vacation Day 4

We were so lucky to go to the city of Ghent. I loved this city. It was fun to wander the city and take photos. Our hotel was centrally located and overlooked the canal that went through the main part of the city. I loved all the funky shops and very old, ornate buildings. More tomorrow...

Saying bye to Antwerp and onto Ghent, Belgium

We made our way from the hotel to the Train Station and with a little breakfast we were on the train and on our way to Ghent. Love the graffiti on the train. Very colorful and lively. Ghent photos tomorrow. Below is the Castle of the Counts in Ghent.