Culture of Gent. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Location on the map:   Facts: » There was a cloister at the site of the present House of God in the first half of the 10th century. You can see its wooden remains in the cave.
»  Sint Baafskathedraal has not changed since the 14th century. The construction was completed in 1569.
»  It seems that the building is cone, which is the feature of the Gothic style.
»  The 3.5-meter altar is considered as a relic. It was created in the Middle Ages. When its shutters are opened, the distance between them is 5 m. The double altar that weighs over a ton was ordered by a rich benefactor. You can see 258 pictures of humans on 24 panels. In 1942, it was delivered to Germany and hidden in the salt cave. The Nazis wanted to blow it up but were hindered.
»  There are the unique honorary bishop’s seat and canvasses of famous artists. You can see the paintings of P. Rubens here.
»  In the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, there are four organs. Two of them are placed in the hall and the other two - in the area with a crypt. Everyone can visit organ concerts held here.
»  The cathedral is dedicated to Bavo, one of the citizens. He donated his property to the people in need and went to the monastery.
»  In the cathedral, monarch Charles V was baptized.

» In the 13th century, the church started to be built in memory of St. Nicholas, the patron of sailors, industrialists, and bakers.
»  The money received from the sale of grain crops was donated for charity. Donations were made by rich merchants. They thought that they were closer to God this way.
»  Upon the order of bishop Ghent, the building was built of limestone. It was specifically delivered from Tournai, a city at the French border. Stone was delivered by ships.
»  Blue and gray stone gives the impression of magnificence and blackness.
»  Above the secret door, there is a triple window (1198) for better illumination in the chapel.
»  The building served as a watch tower that has a view of the surroundings. By the 16th century, it was destroyed and abandoned.
»  Over the years of its existence, the building was looted by people of other faiths. During the uprising, the stable was built in its territory.
»  It was first restored in 1912. The restoration continues to this day.
»  The church fund includes household utensils and cult items dusted with precious jewels. Picturesque canvasses and bright stained glass windows date back to the 19th century.

» The fortress built in the 12th century has survived to this day.
»  Originally, the building served as a defensive construction, the local nobles’ mansion, a mint, and a textile factory. There had been a Flandrian court and a prison for many decades.
»  Now, the Gravensteen is an exhibition hall.
»  In the Armory Museum, you can see medieval cut and thrust weapons: swords, epees, daggers, spears, short clubs, other blades, arbalests, and special warriors’ outfits.
»  Firing guns in inlaid cases made of elephants’ tusks and decorated with pearls.
»  The separate sector houses the collection of torture tools.
»  Children can take educative costume excursions and even can put on dresses of kings, guards, or court jesters.
»  The Gravensteen is translated as a “count’s castle” from Dutch. The construction has always belonged to people of good birth.
»  The main 30-meter construction includes 24 additional towers. It is difficult to get access to it because there are ditches filled with water.

» When Austrians and Frenchmen ruled, cultural items kept in monasteries and churches were lost. The French Government ensured that the historical heritage is not disappeared.
»  In 1798, the additional institution was allocated to combine collections. Then, the collection was moved to the Catholic Church and then - to St. Peter’s Church. Finally, the room in the city academy was provided in 1811.
»  Nowadays, the Museum of Fine Arts is a center with galleries, the library, and the study group.
»  There are a heated floor, special lighting, and air conditioners. There are also food outlets.
»  In the restoration workshop, visitors are offered to watch the restoration process.
»  The collection includes canvasses of different artists and art schools. There are also works of Flemish masters.
»  In the Graphics Sector, there are over 400 sketches of the Belgian sculptor Minne. There are also sketches of other famous artists.
»  In the Big Hall, you can see tapestries, some of which date back to 1717.
»  There are sculptures outside. You have an opportunity to take a closer look at each statue.

Location on the map:   Facts: » Over the years of its existence, St. Michael’s Church has changed many times. Originally, a small chapel was built in the 12th century. The construction was repeatedly damaged by the fire. It was looted and destroyed. By the 15th century, the church was so dilapidated, that there was not enough space for worshipers.
»  In 1440, the new building started to be built. 200 years after, the construction was ceased due to underfunding.
»  Only in 1828, the flat roofing was laid. The 24-meter tower has not been finished.
»  Remarkably, the foundation of the church rises from the water. The outer walls are faced with sandstone.
»  To make the exterior inimitable, architects chose contrasting red brick wall panels and dome. Decorative moldings and supporting columns are made of white limestone.
»  The church repository houses the collection of picturesque canvasses, including “Crucifixion” of Anthony van Dyck (the 17th century). Some cult objects were delivered to the Museum of Fine Arts.
»  The painted statue of the archangel is very impressive. He spears the serpent. There are also different sculptures of the 18th century.