Aug 6, 2012

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent when compared with Bruges may fail in terms of scenic beauty, yet it is a city worth touring if you are anywhere around. The medieval atmosphere is so well preserved; modernity hasn’t corrupted the beauty of the city yet. The name ‘Ghent’, 'Ganda', is derived from the Celtic word 'ganda' which means confluence. There are proofs that life existed here even during the Stone Age and Iron Age.

We arrived here late after the tour of Bruges that made us miss our tours inside several monuments. Most museums close very early. We had to satisfy ourselves taking pictures of facades there. Many attractive sculpted works on them.


Het Gravensteen – called the “Castle of the Counts” was once the seat of the Flanders’ counts during the medieval period. The castle was the stronghold of Ghent, built with strong thick walls and an entrance way with a long tunnel leading to the castle. This indeed is the star attraction of the city.


26 comments:

Sylvia K said...

I am so fascinated by these beautiful old buildings/castles -- perhaps it comes as a result of living in such a "young" country in comparison! Being able to visit as many as I did while living in Europe was one of the very best of times for me! I do love this old castle! Terrific captures and history as always, Indrani!

ashok said...

fascinating place!

ArtMuseDog and Carol said...

Great photos of an intriquing trip ~ wonderful ~ am your latest follower also ~ (A Creative Harbor)

Rajesh said...

Beautiful place. I liked the first shot.

Leovi said...

Wonderful, a nice series of photos, excellent, greetings.

SandyCarlson said...

Just trying to imagine living there--and of having that structure as a part of the daily view. Hmmmm...

Carver said...

Looks like a fascinating place to explore.

Gary said...

Great tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Jim said...

Terrific place. I'd like to visit someday.

ladyfi said...

Love that old castle!

Fun60 said...

It is over 35 years since I visited Ghent. Your photos have brought back some wonderful memories so thank-you.

Joyful said...

I love the waterways in Belgium.

eileeninmd said...

Ghent is a beautiful city. I love the waterways and the castle. Great tour and photo, Indrani!

cloudbusting2 said...

That castle is certainly a star attraction. The urban stuff at the front of it and the many tram lines make it even more intriguing in my eyes.

SueAnn Lommler said...

Oh my! It is gorgeous!
Well done
Hugs
SueAnn

sujata said...

I have not been to Belgium. These shots tempt me.

dr.antony said...

First time here,and I liked it.This is like a virtual tour.Excellent narration and beautiful pics. I had a quick visit to Belgium,but not been to this place.

NatureFootstep said...

I wish we had a river where I live. Seems to be so great.

cloudia charters said...

We can smell the history in your photos and word!


Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
<(-'.'-)>

Gattina said...

I prefer Bruges to Gent by far !

Sridharan said...

Superb..!

arabesque said...

a pity you guys couldn't visit inside.
the castle does looks enormous and medieval, yes. ^0^

funny how words from every country are different.
Ganda here means beautiful/pretty. ^0^

JO said...

hope to get to go to Belgium sometime in the future.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

krishna said...

very fascinating!!! it remineded me my history books of school day.. i never been in europe.. i hope i could travel europe through your blog.. i love to write travel stories.. plz visit http://from-a-girls-mind.blogspot.com/

P.N. Subramanian said...

I loved the castle. They seem to be morestronger than our forts.

Reader Wil said...

Bruges and Ghent are very beautiful cities. I'd like to go there once more and see that great castle again. Thank you for sharing your tour in Ghent!