You Are Here – Ghent

This is the new mug from Belgium, You Are Here Ghent. Yes, the YAH collection is still expanding in Europe, and there are more to come. Stay tuned for new releases!
Ghent is the third largest city in the country and the capital of the East Flanders province. The original settlement at the confluence of the Rivers Scheldt and Leie goes back as far as the Stone Age and the Iron Age. By the 13th century, Ghent grew into one of the biggest cities in Europe. It went through periods of growth and stagnation since then and is now a great tourist destination thanks to its medieval architecture that remains intact and remarkably well-preserved.
The front of the mug is supposedly showing Graslei (Grass Quay) which is a quay in the historic city center on the right bank of the Leie river. The site, with its unique row of historical buildings, is a protected cityscape.
Further to the back, there is St. Nicholas Church built in the 13th century. It is now one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks of the city. The white tower next to it is the 300ft-tall Belfry of Ghent. It has an interesting detail at the very top of the spire. Namely, a gilded dragon, brought from Bruges, was placed on it closer to the end of the construction of the tower. For the occasion of the 175th anniversary of the Ghent Festival, the statue was modified to spew fire!
The back showcases the Gravensteen (“Castle of the Counts”). It is a medieval castle built in 1180 and served as the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory. It is now a museum and a major landmark in the city.