From our home base in Brussels we were able to explore three of the countries important cities; Bruges, Antwerp and Ghent. Although easily and affordably available to explore on your own with a short train ride from the capital, we chose to do guided bus tours. Our choice of tour company was spot on as we enjoyed both a guided walking tour of their historic core and plenty of free time to further explore on our own.
Bruges was a full day tour with four hours of free time. Despite the rainy weather and crowds in this popular destination our walk was so engrossing we did not mind. We discussed Begnhof, a community for women and passed by every major church and museum. Although the guide did not stop for us to explore inside we made note of what interested us to return on our own later. Even then four hours did not give us time to revisit all that we wanted.
After the walk we stopped at a local restaurant to sample traditional Belgian fare before talking a canal tour through the heart of the downtown. From there we walked back to the Church of Our Lady to view Michelangelo’s “Madonna and Child”. This exquisite work is still in the church for which it was carved. There is a separate charge to view this area of the interior but for us was well worth it.
A second day allowed us to explore both Antwerp and Ghent. The set up was similar, with three hours in each city divided into a 1.5 hour walking tour and the same amount of free time.
We started our tour of Antwerp in the city square. The buildings surrounding it were once guild halls but now house restaurants, hotels and shops. The architecture retains its old world charm and the large central fountain is an impressive meeting place. There were numerous beautiful cathedrals and clock towers to view as well. Probably the best piece of art in Antwerp is the statute of the farmer boy Nello and his faithful dog Patrasche, forever asleep in the square. It is based on a children’s story.
From there we rejoined our group to travel to Ghent. This city is just as beautiful to tour however for us there was one specific thing we wanted to see there, the Ghent Altarpiece. Located in the Cathedral of St. Bavo Cathedral, this amazing work of art from 1432 is officially named the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan Van Eck and his brother Hubert. The altarpiece is one of the more coveted and desired pieces of art, the victim of 13 crimes since its installation, and seven thefts. There is a fascinating history behind this iconic work of art and worth the time to read up on if you are going to see it. Like the “Madonna and Child” there is an additional fee to see this work.
Whether you are in Belgium for the art, the beer, the fries or the waffles you will not be disappointed in your time spent exploring this historic and welcoming country.