Saint Bavo's Cathedral
Saint Bavo's Cathedral things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Belgium Must-Visit: Not Brussels, but Ghent! ❗️Ghent is where the medi
JoanJoan
250
Ancient City Ghent, the Most Beautiful City in Belgium 🏰
Kirsten WhiteKirsten White
441
Sint-Baafskathedraal (St. Bavo's Cathedral) is Must-See sightseeing in Ghent. In addition to being a beautiful historic cathedral, this is where you find what many consider the most important art work in European history. Opening hours are 8.30am to 5pm daily. The church (free entry) has been at this location for over a thousand years. Large scale expansion between the 14th and 16th century provided the Gothic exterior and interior that you see today. Within the cathedral, you'll find chapels filled with attractive artworks, a delightful altar and a highly decorative carved-wooden pulpit. There is a crypt as well, with exposed frescos and foundation of the previous Romanesque chapel that predates the present cathedral building. These features alone make it well worth visiting St. Bavo's Cathedral. What makes St. Bavo's special is being able to see 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' also known as the 'Ghent Altarpiece'. This is a large-scale, 15th-century polyptych altarpiece, the work of Hubert and Jan Van Eyck. It is a World treasure and such a delight to view up close, regardless if you are religious or not. Note: To view the Ghent Altarpiece (€4 per person) you must enter an isolated area near the front of the cathedral. Entry includes an audio guide with a programme describing each of the various panels on the front and back. The altarpiece is usually displayed in the open position. However, at 12pm each day, it is closed for 1 hour so that visitors can see the back panels in what would have been their more natural position. With this in mind, visitors who arrive around 11.30-45am, can spend time admiring the open panels and then see the Ghent Altarpiece in its closed position.
BradBrad
00
My recent visit to Saint Bavo's Cathedral was nothing short of a transcendent experience, earning this majestic landmark a well-deserved five stars. Nestled in the heart of Gent, this cathedral is an architectural masterpiece that effortlessly marries centuries of history with breathtaking artistic achievements. Walking through the grand entrance, I was immediately struck by the cathedral's awe-inspiring Gothic architecture. The towering spires and intricate details create a sense of reverence that sets the tone for the cultural feast that awaits inside. The interior is a sanctuary of tranquility, inviting visitors to marvel at the exquisite stained glass windows, ornate chapels, and the celestial echo of sacred music. The true highlight of Saint Bavo's Cathedral is undoubtedly the Ghent Altarpiece, a masterpiece that commands attention with its sublime beauty. The intricacy of the Van Eyck brothers' work is beyond compare, and witnessing it in person is an art lover's dream come true. The cathedral staff were not only welcoming but also well-versed in the history and significance of the artifacts within. Their passion for sharing the cultural richness of Saint Bavo's Cathedral enhanced my visit, providing valuable insights and making the experience all the more enriching. For any tourist seeking a profound connection with Gent's history and art, Saint Bavo's Cathedral is an absolute must-visit. It is a spiritual and aesthetic journey that promises to leave an indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to step through its sacred doors.
Sayak DasSayak Das
00
I don't know what to say other than "you need to see this with your own eyes". This is the home of the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece- one that has been stolen, hidden, sold, and kept safe for centuries. The history of the piece- and the fact that it even exists today, is a miracle! It is so much larger than you would ever imagine You think of it as something above the altar- something medium-sized. It is gigantic- it fills an entire side room where it is displayed! I explored the entire cathedral, and paid the extra for the VR tour of the basement that included stories on how the altar was created, and what happened to it since it was first commissioned. I usually don't do these kinds of things but this was so informative, it was absolutely worth it. People walk around and talk to you- history comes to life, in a way that no other tour could do. The cathedral is as massive as it sounds- and each floor and section is covered with beautiful carvings, paintings, and just decorated beyond belief. This was the very first stop of my trip in Belgium, and was my first venture out of Brussels where I braved the train and found it all on my own. I was very proud of myself, even though I did originally take their above ground subway in the wrong direction at first! This is not to be missed, and it is worth spending more to learn everything you can while you are here. Read ALL the plaques, see all the things! And please donate some extra money to keep this in top condition. I always light an candle and leave money.
Lara Star MartiniLara Star Martini
40
The location of the world, famous altarpiece “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb“ which was painted in the 15th century by Van Eck. The altarpiece was described in the movie “monuments men“ but that is not its claim to fame. It has been stolen by a variety of invaders, including Napoleon, Austrians and Nazis, so it is a wonder that it is still intact and now in Sint Bavo (Baafs). It is currently undergoing a multi year restoration, sponsored by the Getty Museum from Los Angeles. It is in the final stage of that restoration so some of the panels have been removed, and can be observed being restored in the Ghent fine arts Museum. Which is located in another place in town in addition to the altarpiece, which requires a separate admission fee, there are numerous beautiful sculptures and final resting places of bishops and popes, rulers of Belgium, and saints. One of the nice things about visiting is that Belgium has beautiful, artwork and cathedrals, but you don’t have the crowds here that you encounter visiting equally famous places in Paris, Munich, Berlin, or other places. If you are truly interested in European and renaissance masterpieces, this would be a must stop visit on your explorations. The altarpiece is ethereal and breathtaking. It has an aura about it. The cathedral has beautiful stained glass and is well worth 2 to 3 hours each time you visit. The local neighborhood has plenty of beer bars that you can quench your thirst after you visited.
Catboy 2020Catboy 2020
00
Nearby Attractions Of Saint Bavo's Cathedral
Gravensteen
Belfry of Ghent
Saint Michael's Bridge
Graffiti Street
Saint Nicholas' Church
Huis van Alijn
Parc Baudelo
Sint-Jacobskerk
Design Museum Gent
Stadshal / City Pavilion
Gravensteen
4.6
(11.9K)Click for details
Belfry of Ghent
4.6
(3.3K)Click for details
Saint Michael's Bridge
4.7
(1.8K)Click for details
Graffiti Street
4.2
(1.5K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Saint Bavo's Cathedral
Dulle Griet
Frites Atelier | Gent
Patrick Foley's
Trollekelder
Mosquito Coast
Beiruti Ghent The Real Lebanese
Pakhuis
Amadeus Gent 2 - Belfort
Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant
Otomat Gent
Dulle Griet
4.4
(3K)Click for details
Frites Atelier | Gent
4.4
(2.4K)Click for details
Patrick Foley's
4.5
(2K)Click for details
Trollekelder
4.6
(1.8K)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Sint-Baafsplein 1, 9000 Gent, Belgium
Map
Phone
+32 9 269 20 45
Call
Website
sintbaafskathedraal.be
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(4.9K reviews)
Ratings & Description
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Description
Saint Bavo's Cathedral, also known as Sint-Baafs Cathedral, is a cathedral of the Catholic Church in Ghent, Belgium. The 89-meter-tall Gothic building is the seat of the Diocese of Ghent and is named for Saint Bavo of Ghent. It contains the well-known Ghent Altarpiece.
attractions: Gravensteen, Belfry of Ghent, Saint Michael's Bridge, Graffiti Street, Saint Nicholas' Church, Huis van Alijn, Parc Baudelo, Sint-Jacobskerk, Design Museum Gent, Stadshal / City Pavilion, restaurants: Dulle Griet, Frites Atelier | Gent, Patrick Foley's, Trollekelder, Mosquito Coast, Beiruti Ghent The Real Lebanese, Pakhuis, Amadeus Gent 2 - Belfort, Het Waterhuis aan de Bierkant, Otomat Gent
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