Since you have a C++ background, you may be interested in Seaside (http://seaside.st). It's a web application framework based on a true OO language (Smalltalk). Very easy to get started, and surprisingly different than most other offerings.

The official guide takes you through the creation of several small applications (http://book.seaside.st).

Also search the web for articles and comparisons: Seaside has several immense advantages over other frameworks...