PLACES OF INTEREST 1

ON THIS PAGE YOU WILL FIND PLACES OF INTEREST CLOSE TO THE CITY CENTRE

 ST BAVO'S CATHEDRAL

Parts of the building date from the 13th century. Look for two great candlesticks in red bronze dated 1530, bearing the Tudor rose of Henry VIII evidently purchased by one Bishop Triest. Also on display is the famous polyptych by Jan Van Eyck, The Adoration Of The Mystic Lamb dated 1432 (fee payable) and many religious paintings by Flemish artists including Rubens, Rombouts, Heuval and Pourbus

THE BELFRY (BELFORT)

It is well worth ascending this tower (fee payable). If you are fit use the stairs, there is a lift for those not so fit. The view from the top (well not actually the top but quite high) is very impressive. The tower contains a 52 bell carillon. Recitals are given on Fridays and Sundays between 11.30 and 12.30. Also by the gardens admire the Great Triom Fante bell cast in 1660. The bell was retired when it became cracked.

ST MICHAELS CHURCH

Just over the St Michaels bridge in the other direction is the Church of (would you believe) St Michaels. This Church contains many baroque paintings and sculptures from the 18th century, many in need of repair. If you forgot to look the first time, on your way back over the bridge admire the magnificent view of the Korenlei (Guild Buildings).

THE CASTLE OF THE COUNTS

A medieval castle built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, Count of Flanders. The castle is best seen from the canal. It contains a museum of military weapons, equipment and if you are not of a to delicate nature torture equipment. Open all year except Christmas and New Year. 09.00 to17.00. Fee payable.

BOAT TRIPS

You can see the city sights by boat there are regular trips on the canals mainly departing from the Graslei and Korenlei at regular intervals and at other places in the city. The trips can vary between 30 min up to about 1 hour with commentaries in various languages including English.