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Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Belgium  /  Flanders  /  East Flanders Province  /  Ghent  /  Saint Bavo's Cathedral

Saint Bavo's Cathedral, Ghent

4.6
#3 of 225 in Things to do in Ghent
Must see · Religious Site · Historic Site
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Named for a local saint, Saint Bavo's Cathedral, with its Gothic tower, rises high above the town center. A church or abbey has stood on the site since 942 CE, playing a pivotal role in European history, including the baptism of Charles V. The cathedral is home to a number of masterworks by local artists, such as Hubert and Jan van Eyck, as well as Justus van Gent. Don't miss Van Eyck's masterpiece "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb," displayed in a prominent position inside the chapel, and "Saint Bavo enters the Convent at Ghent" by Peter Paul Rubens, on the cathedral's walls. Visit the cathedral's website for notifications of choral concerts and regular services. To visit Saint Bavo's Cathedral and other attractions in Ghent, use our Ghent online journey planner.
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Saint Bavo's Cathedral reviews

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Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • St. Bavo's is medieval cathedral in Ghent where you find one of the most important artworks in the world - Jan Van Eyck's The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (1432) also known as the Ghent Altarpiece... 
    St. Bavo's is medieval cathedral in Ghent where you find one of the most important artworks in the world - Jan Van Eyck's The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (1432) also known as the Ghent Altarpiece...  more »
  • The Mystic Lamb altar piece here is majestic and a must see. Do book in advance and use the virtual reality headsets. The locker for back packs are a test of logic though! 
    The Mystic Lamb altar piece here is majestic and a must see. Do book in advance and use the virtual reality headsets. The locker for back packs are a test of logic though!  more »
Google
  • Amazing, it's like a small Vatican, the art and sculpture are quite simply superb. It is clearly much loved and cared for. Ghent is quite possibly the most beautiful medieval city in northern Europe. The architecture is astonishing. We will be returning for a longer stay.
  • The cathedral is free to go in and look around. To see the Ghent altarpiece you may need a reservation if it’s busy. Buy tickets online before or walk up to the desk and buy them there. The fee is 12.50 euro to see the altarpiece, the virtual reality headset tour costs more. The altarpiece is absolutely breathtaking. The latest restorations finished in 2020 have made it seem magical with the case it’s in and the lighting. Wow! There are souvenirs near the entrance to help you remember the altarpiece :) History at its best!

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