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We left Bruges early on Sunday morning and took a short train ride to Ghent. Not quit as charming as Bruges, but still offered several things to see.
The hightlight of the town is the Ghent Alterpiece that is housed in the St. Bravo Cathedral (Sint Baafskathedraal). Painted by the brothers Hubrecht and Jan van Eyck in 1432, the Ghent Alter Piece, also known as The Mystic Lamb is considered on of the greatest masterpieces of Europe. It has had quit a troublesome past. Consisting of 12 panels, many of them have been stolen numerous times, sold and saved from fire. The piece was returned from Germany in the 1940's where is was stored in a salt mine (ever see the movie Monument's Men) which caused damage to the paint and finish. The piece is now complete with all originals, except for the panel "Just Judges" which was stolen and has never been found. It was recreated in the 1940's and added to the piece. The entire piece is in the process of going through a 5 year restoration process.
We visited a couple other beautiful churches in the town center, including St. Nicholas Church.
The Grasleir and Korenlei is a beautiful canal area where you can take a boat ride through town. Here we way St. Michael's Bridge.
We visited Gravensteen Castle, the first we have visited on our trip.
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