Information
Landmark: St. Bavo's CathedralCity: Ghent
Country: Belgium
Continent: Europe
St. Bavo's Cathedral, Ghent, Belgium, Europe
Overview
In the heart of Ghent, Belgium, St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) rises in pale stone, standing as one of the city’s most iconic and storied landmarks.The cathedral, with its soaring Gothic spires, deep spiritual roots, and masterpieces known around the world, stands as a living vault of culture and history.St. Bavo’s Cathedral, or Sint-Baafskathedraal, rises over Sint-Baafsplein in Ghent, Belgium, its soaring Gothic towers finished in the 16th century after centuries of transformation from a 10th-century wooden chapel to a 12th-century Romanesque church.Dedicated to St. Bavo, the city’s patron saint, it gained cathedral status in 1559 with the founding of the Diocese of Ghent.Inside, sunlight spills across the Ghent Altarpiece-Jan and Hubert Van Eyck’s luminous *Adoration of the Mystic Lamb*-a treasure that’s drawn visitors for generations.For more than 500 years, this Roman Catholic landmark has stood at the heart of Ghent’s faith and culture, its stone walls carved with a lacework of delicate Gothic detail.Outside, the cathedral’s towering bell tower and ornate façade showcase classic Gothic style, from its pointed arches to the sharp spires and sturdy buttresses.Step inside, and you’re met with soaring vaulted ceilings, massive stone columns, and stained-glass windows that glow with scenes of saints and biblical tales in deep reds and blues.Beneath it all lies the crypt, a Romanesque holdover filled with ancient frescoes, worn tombs, and treasured relics.In a chapel within rests the Ghent Altarpiece-*The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb*-completed in 1432 by Jan and Hubert Van Eyck, a polyptych masterpiece hailed as one of the greatest achievements in Western art.Twelve panels show different religious scenes, and in the center, the Lamb of God stands in bright white, a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice.Its vibrant colors catch the eye, every fine line pulling you closer, and the bold, early use of oil paint makes it something you just have to see.In the heart of St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the central panel of *The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb* draws you in, while the upper panels show God flanked by the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist, and the lower ones teem with worshippers, angels, and saints.After meticulous restoration, the altarpiece now rests in a climate‑controlled chamber.Nearby, you’ll find Rubens’ monumental *Conversion of St. Bavo*, glowing stained‑glass windows that tell vivid stories in jewel‑toned light, and an ornate 18th‑century pulpit carved from wood and marble with figures and symbols.The cathedral is typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours shift with the season, and while entry is free, viewing the Ghent Altarpiece costs about €12 for adults, with optional tours and audio guides.It’s wheelchair‑friendly, modest dress is expected, and arriving early means you can linger without the press of crowds.Just steps away lie the Belfry of Ghent with its sweeping views, the Gothic beauty of St. Nicholas’ Church, and the medieval waterfront of Graslei and Korenlei-making the cathedral not only a place of worship, but a living treasure of art and history.From its soaring stone arches to the luminous panels of the Ghent Altarpiece, the cathedral leaves visitors with a memory they won’t shake.
