St Bavo Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

Currently coated with scaffolding and undergoing long-term restoration, the plain brick-and-stone exterior of St Bavo’s belies the wealth of religious treasures that lie within. Looming over the pedestrianized center of Ghent, the cathedral and its massive tower are dedicated to the patron saint of Ghent and were constructed in stages from the 13th century onward.

The vast interior is filled with Baroque and Rococo flourishes, from the carved, gilded marble pulpit to the white colonnades of the high altar and the tomb slabs of Ghent’s clergymen. Works of art include The Conversion of St Bavo (1623) by Rubens but the standout piece here is also Ghent’s best-loved artistic jewel: The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is a 24-panel altarpiece painted by the Van Eyck brothers in 1432 and tucked away in the Vijdt Chapel. Like the cathedral itself, this is currently under restoration until 2017, but two-thirds of the glowing panels are always available for viewing. 

Practical Info

Sint-Baafsplein. Admission: cathedral free; Vijdt Chapel €4 adults, €1.50 concessions. The cathedral is open Apr–Oct Mon–Sat 8.30am–6pm, Sun 9.30am–6pm; Nov–Mar Mon–Sat 8.30am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm. Vijdt Chapel Apr–Oct daily 9.30am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm; Nov–Mar Mon–Sat 10.30am–4pm, Sun 1–4pm.