Top 5 Flanders Art and Culture Destinations: A Review
Flanders, you see, it’s that northern part of Belgium and it’s basically bubbling over with art and culture. You get me? This is just a land, very full of pretty impressive historical sites, world-famous museums, and well, quite interesting traditions. Deciding just where to start might seem a little bit complicated. To give you some help, here’s a look at five must-see spots that really showcase the art and culture Flanders offers.
1. Bruges: A Medieval Fairytale with a Touch of Art
Bruges, now there’s a town that it is like stepping directly into a storybook. Seriously, it feels very old. With its winding canals, the place does have cobblestone streets, and those medieval buildings? I mean, they are quite awesome. But more than just a pretty face, the city’s got so much to offer those who love art and culture.
Groeningemuseum is basically your spot for Flemish Primitive art. Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling – these, you see, those are pretty gigantic names and their masterpieces, in my opinion, are sitting right here. What you might want to look for are details in their work. It really does blow you away. Then there’s the Church of Our Lady, too it’s a home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture. I guess it’s a piece that could, arguably, leave you speechless.
But Bruges really isn’t just about the museums, alright? The whole town, you see, it’s like an open-air exhibit. You can get yourself lost in its little alleys, just maybe hop on a canal tour, too it’s the best and explore the local lace shops, is that right? Oh and taste some of the best chocolate in the universe.
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2. Ghent: Where Medieval Meets Contemporary
Ghent is basically one great, big student city. Its is very lively and boasts a nice blend of medieval greatness and modern creativity, you get me? Take a look at Gravensteen, very striking, that’s a castle. To give you some help, It just sits there smack-dab in the middle of town. To give you some perspective, just picture that for a bit, is that right?
And for art lovers? Saint Bavo’s Cathedral holds, arguably, the Ghent Altarpiece by the brothers Jan and Hubert van Eyck. Is that true? This, you see, is one very big artwork which has very big significance. Its fame could fill art history books, I guess. Its considered one of the greatest art pieces, like your, ever.
Afterwards, you see, go and amble down Graslei and Korenlei, is that right? Those riverside streets, I’m telling you, is that, really do look quite lovely with their guildhalls. Is that really the reason that I love Ghent? Well then, take some time to actually wander the streets, is that not correct? You may just stumble on some wall art and, actually, you will very probably spot some hip boutiques.
Read our full review: Ghent Altarpiece Review and Details
3. Antwerp: Diamonds, Fashion, and Rubens
Antwerp. The name could conjure up, arguably, shiny diamonds. And it should, right? You see, it really is. Oh, too it’s a fashion forward type of spot. First up though, there is this very iconic character of the city, which is Peter Paul Rubens. This famous painter? Very much born and he did most of his work, is that right, here in Antwerp.
Very worth visiting? The Rubenshuis. Its his former house, you get me? So, now a pretty striking museum filled up with his artworks. Antwerp, to be honest, is pretty cool even without it. It has just tons and tons more to show too. See the Cathedral of Our Lady, well now that houses just loads of artworks, so, that the guy painted. Oh! and not only that. Did you know that this Gothic church happens to be Belgium’s largest.
Too it’s good for fashion, just so you know, with its trendy boutiques and like your, the MoMu Fashion Museum, very awesome right? See if you can, arguably, make some time to amble round the diamond district. To give you some help, here you see all that sparkle. If diamonds isn’t really your thing? To be honest? Take in the sights.
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4. Leuven: History with a Brew
Leuven, alright? Is more or less a very charming uni town. Do you think that is actually possible? If so, maybe know that the place has, usually, great historical sites, that, you see, and also a rather amazing beer scene. You didn’t expect that, alright?
I think it would be good if you went to the Groot Begijnhof, okay? Is that like a historical beguinage, is that right? To give you some help, these spots were more or less places that were inhabited by religious women, basically, who chose not to become nuns. With its pretty unique architecture, alright, I guess it really shows that historical period. For those who admire beer, visit the Stella Artois brewery. This, that one, just you see offers tours.
What you might like is, arguably, Leuven’s City Hall with like your, the facades. They feature hundreds of statues. Okay? I’m trying to tell you that really showcases architectural beauty. Just walk, too it’s best, right? Stroll the Oude Markt that tends to be overflowing with students and tons of local beer.
Read our full review: Leuven Beer Tours, Belgium Full Review and Details
5. Mechelen: A City of Hidden Treasures
Mechelen, I feel, sometimes, tends to get overlooked, really. So, is that right, is that okay? Which is kind of a bummer, right? Considering, as a matter of fact, that this Flemish city may be quite amazing. Its has a super striking Grand Place and some fantastic architecture.
Basically, its also where you may find St. Rumbold’s Cathedral. So, if you visit that you may even take a moment and just climb the tower, too it’s pretty awesome, seriously! With its pretty panoramic view? I guess you do you. Very worthwhile. Did you hear about Kazerne Dossin Memorial? Because, the museum kind of tells a big and terrible story. About World War II. With details surrounding the Holocaust and the deportation. It may strike an emotional chord though, but yet, well too its importance is rather undeniable.
Its okay to check out the Toy Museum for those you’re thinking of travel and the little family. Like your inner family is screaming for things? The place actually may surprise you, you see! It’s brimming with very, like your, classic toys, that are very pleasing to children from like your, zero to 99. Also just because there’s pretty charming courtyards, take a walk. Very worthwhile. I think this, truly does encapsulate just why Belgium and it’s Flemish side is absolutely wonderful and amazing!
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