Last updated on January 10th, 2025
St. Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent is a must-see for any art lover. The highlight of our visit was the famous Ghent Altarpiece, also known as “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.” This masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers is one of the most important paintings in art history. The cathedral houses it in a special visitors’ center where you can get up close to admire its intricate details.
When you enter the cathedral, you’re struck by its grand Gothic architecture. But the real treasure awaits in the Villa Chapel. There, you’ll find the Ghent Altarpiece in all its glory. The polyptych painting has 12 panels showing scenes from the Bible. It’s amazing to think it was completed way back in 1432!
Plan to spend a minimum of an hour exploring the cathedral and viewing the altarpiece. Just the cathedral is free to visit but you will need to buy tickets for a pre-booked slot to see the altarpiece. You can also take one of several augmented reality guided tours to learn about the cathedral’s history as you walk around the crypt below. It’s a great way to make your visit more fun and educational but add another half an hour to 45 minutes for this.
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Embracing St. Bavo’s Cathedral
St. Bavo’s Cathedral stands as a magnificent centerpiece in Ghent. We were amazed by its rich history, impressive architecture, and priceless treasures inside.
History of St. Bavo’s Cathedral
St. Bavo’s Cathedral has deep roots in Ghent. It started as a small wooden chapel in the 10th century. Over time, it grew into the grand building you see today. In the Middle Ages, Ghent was wealthy and powerful. The city used its money to build bigger, fancier churches.
In the 12th century, things got interesting. The original wooden chapel gave way to a more substantial Romanesque church, complete with the signature round arches of the period. But the real transformation kicked off in the 13th century, when the building underwent a massive Gothic makeover that would continue for the next 300 years.
During this lengthy transformation, the church gained an impressive Gothic choir, plus an ambulatory featuring 14 chapels. Each addition brought new architectural elements that would help define the cathedral’s unique character.
The name changed too. At first, it was called St. John the Baptist Church. In the 16th century, with the creation of the Diocese of Ghent, it became St. Bavo’s Cathedral.
Architectural Marvels
The cathedral’s design will take your breath away. Its tall Gothic tower with sharp, pointed spires reaches 89 meters high.
Inside, you’ll find soaring arches and beautiful stained glass windows. You can see traces of the cathedral’s long history as you walk around. Look for the mix of styles in the walls and decorations.
The Baroque high altar is a masterpiece. It’s made of black and white marble with gold details. Don’t miss the choir gallery, where you’ll find something special: capitals sculpted with trees and fruits straight out of the Garden of Eden.
Make sure to head to the crypt next. It’s one of the largest in Belgium. Here, you can see parts of the old Romanesque church.
Plan to spend at least an hour exploring the cathedral’s architecture. Bring binoculars to see details up high.
Noteworthy Artifacts and Relics
St. Bavo’s Cathedral is home to many precious artworks. The most famous is the Ghent Altarpiece, also called “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.” This masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers is a must-see.
You’ll also find other treasures, like a Rubens painting, Livinus’ manuscript which contains the four Gospels, the reliquary of the head of Saint John the Baptist, a Rococo pulpit, and beautiful choir stalls.
Set aside at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the cathedral and its artworks.
Discovering the Ghent Altarpiece
The Ghent Altarpiece is a stunning work of art you can see at St. Bavo’s Cathedral. This famous painting has an amazing history and lots of cool details to check out. You’ll need to buy a ticket in advance to see it, and it’s not cheap, but we found it was totally worth it.
The Van Eyck Masterpiece
The Ghent Altarpiece was made by brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck in the 1400s. It’s a huge painting with panels that fold open and closed. When it’s all open, it’s over 17 feet wide and 12 feet tall!
You’ll see beautiful pictures of religious figures, angels, and everyday people from long ago. The main part shows a lamb on an altar, which is why it’s also called “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.”
Plan to spend up to 25 minutes looking at all the parts of the painting. There’s so much to see! If you take one of the AR guided tours through the crypt, the altarpiece viewing is part of your tour ticket.
Historical Significance and Artwork Details
This artwork is really old and super important. It was finished in 1432, which makes it almost 600 years old!
The Ghent Altarpiece has had a wild history. It’s been in wars, fires, and even stolen. During World War II, it was taken by the Nazis but later returned to the church.
Art experts say it’s one of the most important paintings ever made. It shows how good artists were at painting realistic scenes way back then.
When you look closely, you’ll see amazing details in the Ghent Altarpiece. The artists used new painting tricks to make things look super real. The clothes look like you could touch them, the jewels seem to sparkle, and faces show different emotions
There are also lots of hidden meanings in the pictures. Each person, animal, and object stands for something special in the Christian faith. We spotted a few cool details, like a fountain that looks 3D, tiny buildings in the background, and angels playing music.
Take your time to spot all these details. It’s like a big game of I-spy!
Planning Your Visit
St. Bavo’s Cathedral is open almost every day. The Ghent Altarpiece is a must-see attraction inside. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Best Times to Visit
The cathedral gets busy, especially on weekends. Try going early on a weekday morning to beat the crowds. The cathedral opens at 8:30 AM Monday to Saturday and at 1:00 PM on Sundays. It is closed on January 1st. The visitor’s center with the altarpiece, other artworks, and AR tours opens at 10:00 AM on weekdays.
Secure your Ghent Altarpiece tickets online early—viewing slots fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist times.
While you can get a big discount with the Gent CityCard, you still have to book your slot online in advance.
Aim to spend about 2 hours exploring the cathedral and viewing the Ghent Altarpiece. The light is best for photos in the late morning or early afternoon.
Avoid visiting during Mass times if you want to freely walk around. Mass usually happens every sunday at 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides
You can take a self-guided tour or join a guided one. Audio guides are available in several languages. They give you in-depth info about the cathedral’s art and history.
Guided tours last about an hour. You’ll learn fascinating details about the building and artwork. Book these ahead of time, especially in peak season.
For something different, try one of the Augmented Reality tours. It brings the cathedral’s past to life through a tablet or augmented reality glasses. They have a tour tailored to adults or families and a longer one for those interested in more details of the history. You’re guided through the crypt before you make your way to see the altarpiece (without the AR!)
Restoration of the Upper Panels at the Museum of Fine Arts
Since 2016, various panels of the Ghent Altarpiece have been going restoration at the Museum of Fine Arts of Ghent (MSK). The exterior panels and the 5 lower inner panels have completed their phase of restoration and this is what is available to view at St. Bavo’s Cathedral currently.
We were lucky to see the altarpiece in its entirety at St. Bavo’s between the second and third phases of restoration.
The 5 upper panels of the opened altarpiece are at the MSK and restoration on those will be completed by the spring of 2026. During weekends, you can watch master restorers at work on the panels behind glass. On weekends, they are displayed for viewing as part of the MSK museum’s collection.
Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
The cathedral has restrooms and a small gift shop. There’s no cafe inside, but you’ll find plenty of options nearby in Ghent’s city center.
Most of the cathedral is wheelchair accessible. There’s a ramp at the entrance and elevators inside. Some areas, like the crypt, might be harder to reach.
You can store large bags and backpacks in lockers near the entrance. Bring a jacket – the cathedral can be chilly, even in summer.
Photography is allowed in most areas, but no flash. Remember to be respectful, as this is an active place of worship.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
St. Bavo’s Cathedral is in the heart of Ghent, surrounded by many interesting sights and experiences. You’ll find plenty to see, eat, and buy within walking distance. There’s more than enough in Ghent to fill a 2-day itinerary.
The Belfry of Ghent is just a stone’s throw away. This 91-meter tall tower gives you amazing views of the city. Climb the 366 steps or take the elevator for most of the way. But be prepared to take only the steps down. Plan about an hour for your visit.
Gravensteen Castle is a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. This medieval fortress looks like it’s from a fairy tale. You can explore the armory, torture chamber, and climb to the top. Give yourself 1-2 hours here.
The Graslei and Korenlei are historic quays along the river. It’s a great spot for a stroll or to sit at a cafe and watch boats go by. Spend 30 minutes to an hour here, depending on if you stop for a drink.
Tips and Etiquette
When visiting St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece, keep a few key points in mind. Follow photography rules and be mindful of proper behavior to make the most of your experience.
You can take photos in most areas of St. Bavo’s Cathedral, but there are some rules to follow. No flash photography is allowed near the Ghent Altarpiece to protect the artwork. Turn off your camera’s flash before entering this area. Tripods are not permitted inside the cathedral.
Bring a camera that works well in low light. The cathedral’s dim interior can make it tricky to get clear shots.
You’re not allowed to take photos during services. Be sure to check the schedule so you don’t disrupt any events.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral is an active place of worship, so quiet and modest behavior is a must.
Support and Preservation Efforts
St. Bavo’s Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece have faced many challenges over the centuries. You’ll be amazed at the work done to keep these treasures safe. The cathedral staff and conservators put in countless hours to protect the art and architecture.
Recent restoration of the lower and exterior panels of the Ghent Altarpiece took years to complete. You can now see them in all their glory in the cathedral. The colors are brighter and the details sharper than they’ve been in centuries. The remaining 5 upper panels are being restored in Ghent’s Museum of Fine Art and can be viewed there.
The cathedral itself gets regular maintenance too. You might spot scaffolding or workers during your visit. Don’t worry – it’s all part of keeping the building sound for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about visiting St. Bavo’s Cathedral and seeing the Ghent Altarpiece. These will help you plan your trip and know what to expect.
How can I purchase tickets to see the Ghent Altarpiece?
You have to buy tickets online through the cathedral’s official website. It’s best to book in advance, especially during peak season. A standard adult ticket costs around 12 euros but you get a big discount if you have the CityCard Gent. Plan to spend up to 25 minutes viewing the altarpiece.
Are there any entry fees for visiting St. Bavo’s Cathedral?
The cathedral itself is free to enter. You only need to pay if you want to see the Ghent Altarpiece or visit the crypt. Bring some cash for a small donation to help maintain this beautiful building.
Can visitors view the Ghent Altarpiece when the restoration is in progress?
Yes, you can still see the altarpiece during restoration work. The panels that have completed restoration are on display in St. Bavo’s. The ones currently undergoing restoration are at the MSK Museum. You can catch a glimpse of conservators at work through a glass partition. The panels are on display in the museum during weekends.
What is the history behind the Ghent Altarpiece’s missing panel?
The “Just Judges” panel was stolen in 1934 and never found. A copy now fills its place. The theft remains one of Belgium’s biggest unsolved art crimes. Take one of the augmented reality tours to find out more or ask the guides about the various theories – they love sharing the mystery!
In which year was the Ghent Altarpiece originally created?
The Van Eyck brothers completed the Ghent Altarpiece in 1432. It took them about 6 years to paint. The altarpiece has survived wars, theft attempts, and even a fire over its nearly 600-year history.
