Sint-Niklaaskerk
A mixture of surviving Romanesque elements of the Flemish architectural style known as Schelde Gothic, the impressive 13th- to 15th-century church was paid for by Ghent's wealthy medieval merchants and guilds. In recent years, it has undergone extensive renovation work that's still ongoing. The tower is one of the "three towers of Ghent" - in fact, it was the first of the three to grace the city skyline.
Het Gravensteen
Built by Count Philip of Alsace, count of Flanders, soon after he returned from the Crusades in 1180 with images of similar crusader castles in the Holy Land. If its walls 2m thick, battlements, and turrets failed to intimidate attackers, the count could always turn to a well-equipped torture chamber inside. You can view relics of the chamber in a small museum in the castle. Climb up to the ramparts of the high central building, the donjon, which has great views of Ghent's rooftops and towers.
Sint-Baafskathedraal
Don't miss this cathedral. Exterior of Romanesque, Gothic, and baroque architecture with an interior filled with priceless paintings and sculptures, including the 24-panel altarpiece "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb", completed by Jan van Eyck in 1432. Simply spellbinding, this work was commissioned by a wealthy city alderman in 1420. Original Alterpiece "Adoration of Mystic Lamb" temporary and partial closed. Since April 2010 a scientific study and conservation works are in progress. Visitors can follow the activities trough a glass wall). Other art treasures in the cathedral include Rubens's restored "The Conversion of St. Bavo" from 1623.