St. Bavo's Cathedral

4.5
(3,382 reviews)
Sint-Baafsplein 1, Ghent 9000 Belgium
+32 9 269 20 45Official website
Historic Sites
Religious Sites
Sights & Landmarks
Attraction

About

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent is a monumental Gothic masterpiece that has stood for over a millennium as a centre of worship, art and history. The soaring nave, ribbed vaults and magnificent stained‑glass windows invite visitors into a world of medieval splendour. Its crown jewel is the Ghent Altarpiece – the 15‑panel masterpiece by Jan van Eyck and his brother Hubert – often called the Mystic Lamb, which attracts scholars and art‑enthusiasts alike. The cathedral’s crypt, accessible via a dedicated Visitor’s Centre, offers an immersive augmented‑reality experience that reveals the Altarpiece’s hidden histories and masterful details. With daily opening hours (except 1 January) and a range of guided tours – from short 25‑minute “Lam Gods Only” walks to full 60‑minute AR tours – Saint Bavo’s is an essential stop for families, history lovers, art aficionados, and curious travellers alike.

Highlights

  • Ghent Altarpiece
  • Archaeological Crypt
  • Gothic Architecture
  • Stained Glass Windows
  • Visitor’s Centre

Must-See Areas

Ghent Altarpiece
Mystic Lamb Panel
Crypt
Upper Church
Stained‑Glass Gallery

Good to Know

Good for

Families
History Enthusiasts
Art Lovers
Kids

Frequently Asked Questions

At a glance

  • Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes