# Saint Bavo Cathedral with Ghent Altar Piece 7 
Most importantly, the majestic Saint Bavo Cathedral is home to the Ghent Altarpiece (entitled The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) painted by Hubert and Jan van Eyck c. 1425–1432, one of the world’s first and undoubtedly most influential oil paintings in the world.
Consult any chronological art history book, and you will certainly notice the apparent difference between the almost photorealistic Ghent Altarpiece and all earlier paintings. In addition, the view from the top of the tower is spectacular.
Cathedral with Tower | Viewpoint
by Jan van Eyck / Public domain
# Old Town 6 
With its pretty canals, churches, medieval towers, bridges, and protected monuments Ghent's largely pedestrianized historic city center is certainly among the most beautiful in Europe.
by Donar Reiskoffer / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Graslei Harbor (Grass Quay) 6 
With its row of the finest guild houses on the right bank of the Leie river, Graslei Harbor is the most picturesque spot in Ghent.
by Thomas Kindermans / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Gravensten Castle 6 
This meticulously restored 12th-century castle provides the best views across Ghent.
by Marc Ryckaert / CC BY-SA 3.0
# BELFRY and Cloth Hall 5 
Topped by a gilded copper dragon this 14th-century 91-meter-high tower offers an incredible view of the old town below.
by Donarreiskoffer / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Fine Arts Museum (Museum voor Schone Kunsten, MSK) 5
The most important museum in Ghent, the Museum of Fine Arts, is housed in an impressive Neoclassical building and holds a large permanent collection of art from the Middle Ages until the mid-20th century.
In addition, the museum also houses exceptional temporary exhibitions. For example, in 2020, the museum pays tribute to one of the Flemish Masters, with the largest Jan Van Eyck exhibition ever.
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- Important Masterpieces: 2
- Highlight: Portrait of a Kleptomaniac by Théodore Géricault (c. 1820), 61.2 cm × 50.2 cm (24 in × 19 3⁄4 in)
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This is our selection of the five best paintings of the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent:
1) Portrait of a Kleptomaniac, Théodore Géricault (c. 1820)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
2) Man of Sorrows, Maarten van Heemskerck (c. 1532)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
3) Christ Carrying the Cross, a follower of Hieronymus Bosch (c. 1510),
74 cm × 81 cm (29 in × 32 in)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
4) Saint Veronica of Binasco, François-Joseph Navez (1816)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
5) The Reding, Théo van Rysselberghe (1903)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
Interesting Artworks: 5/10
Famous Artworks: 4/10
Art Display: 6/10
Building: 6/10
Size: 3/10
Overall: 5/10
Fine Arts Museum Gallery Space: ca. 5,000 m2 | Galleries: ca. 35 | Artworks on Display: ca. 350 | Established: 1902
(Click on images to open in lightbox)
# Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst (S.M.A.K.) (City Museum for Contemporary Art) 5
Housed in the former Flower Show Hall, this modern art museum is well known for its fine permanent collection and most importantly for its provocative exhibitions.
by Cristina Pastor / Public domain
# Museum of Ghent (STAM) 4 
Housed in the brick buildings of the Cistercian abbey of Bijloke, the Ghent City Museum (in Dutch "Stadsmuseum Gent", "STAM" in short) transports you through the town's past, present and future and serves as a great multimedial introduction to a visit to the city of Ghent.
by Paul Hermans / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Saint Nicholas Church 4
This impressive church is one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks in Ghent.
by Trougnouf / CC BY-SA 4.0
#10 | Design Museum 4
This fascinating museum is home to Belgium's largest design collection.
by Wernervc / CC BY-SA 3.0
#11 | St Michael’s Bridge 4
St. Michael's Bridge is a historic landmark located in the heart of Ghent, spanning the River Leie. The bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Ghent's picturesque skyline, including iconic landmarks such as the medieval Gravensteen Castle and the towering belfry of Ghent's Town Hall.
by simonly / CC BY-SA 3.0
Bruges 7
Bruges is a historic Belgian city known for its medieval architecture, picturesque canals, notable landmarks like the Belfry, and cultural traditions.
City Distance from Ghent: 52 km
by Hans Hillewaert / CC BY-SA 3.0
