Saint Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) is the Gothic cathedral at the heart of Ghent's old town and, since 1559, the seat of the Diocese of Ghent. It is world-famous as the home of the 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' (the Ghent Altarpiece), completed by the brothers Hubert and Jan van Eyck in 1432 and often called one of the first great oil paintings. The altarpiece is now shown in a dedicated climate-controlled visitor centre with an AR tour; during the final restoration phase running to spring 2027, some panels are displayed as high-quality photographic reproductions while the originals are conserved. With its 89 m tower, Romanesque crypt and works by Rubens, it is a must-see stop on any Ghent visit.
The Ghent Altarpiece, 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' — the Van Eyck brothers' 1432 polyptych, a landmark of early oil painting
The visitor-centre AR tour, telling the altarpiece's dramatic, much-stolen history via HoloLens or iPad
Rubens' Baroque altarpiece 'Saint Bavo enters the Convent at Ghent' (1624)
The Rococo pulpit (1741–1745) by Laurent Delvaux in oak, marble and gilded wood
The Romanesque crypt with medieval frescoes (among the largest in Flanders) and the huge organ with over 6,000 pipes
Good to know
SafetyPickpockets work the crowded squares (Korenmarkt, Sint-Baafsplein) and the trams; carry bags in front and keep them zipped.
CautionIgnore clipboard 'petition/charity' distractions near the tourist squares, and buy tickets only through the official website.
RulesEntry to the nave is free, but the altarpiece and visitor centre need a paid, timed ticket; book the AR tour online in advance in high season and note the last entry (around 4 pm). Confirm current prices and hours before you go.
MannersThis is an active church — dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), remove hats, keep quiet (especially during Sunday-morning Mass) and use no flash photography.
SeasonBelgian weather is changeable and often rainy year-round, so bring an umbrella and a light layer even in summer; the stone interior stays cool.
MannersTipping is not obligatory in Belgium (service is included) — rounding up is plenty. Ghent is Dutch-speaking, so a 'Dag/Dank u' is appreciated, though English is widely spoken.
Practical info
From Gent-Sint-Pieters station, take tram 1 to the historic centre (Korenmarkt), about 15–20 minutes, or walk roughly 30 minutes. The nave is generally open Mon–Sat 8:30–17:30 and Sun 13:00–17:30; the Mystic Lamb visitor centre opens Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00 and Sun 13:00–17:00 (last AR tour entry around 4 pm), closed on 1 January. Always confirm current prices, opening hours and restoration status on the official website before visiting.
On-site reviews📍 Verified on-site
No reviews yet. If you are here, be the first to leave one.
