Ghent’s Gothic Altarpiece & Vibrant Quays

Ghent balances grandeur with youth. In St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Van Eyck’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb glows in jewel tones — angels, saints, and the Lamb of God painted with detail that feels alive. To stand before it is to witness both spiritual devotion and artistic genius, a masterpiece that has survived thefts, wars, and centuries. Beyond cathedral walls, Ghent hums with energy. Along Graslei and Korenlei, medieval guildhouses line the quays, their facades mirrored in the river. Students and travelers gather here, laughter and music mingling with water’s ripple. Cafés spill tables onto banks, serving local beers and Belgian fries wrapped in paper cones. The city’s contrast delights: Gothic towers and street art, solemn altarpieces and lively festivals, history and modernity coexisting. At night, Ghent’s buildings are lit artfully, their reflections shimmering across canals. It is city of light and vibrancy, where past and present meet in joyous balance.