About Saint Bavo's Cathedral

There is so much to see and so much to do in Ghent. Explore the city either by taking a stroll on foot, or kick back your feet on a boat and watch the scenic pleasures of the beautiful city. Yet another popular tourist attraction of the Flemish town is the Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. This is a beautiful Gothic cathedral in the quintessential city of Ghent. Considered to be one of the oldest Parish churches, it stands tall and proud at 89-meters. This majestic cathedral was built in the 15th Century, over the site of two churches from the 10th and 12th centuries. For more than a thousand years, the cathedral has been a place of worship for devotees. As soon as you enter you can feel the serenity and calmness of the interiors. One of the most popular and beloved treasures of Northern Europe is “the Ghent Altarpiece” or the remarkable “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.” This is a multipaneled painting that was made in 1432. It was a masterpiece by Jan and Hubert van Eyck. Also, do take a stroll in the church’s crypt dating back to 942 AD, and feast your eyes on artifacts, documents, etc. going back many centuries.

Must See

  • It houses many ancient works by esteemed painters but the greatest artistic masterpiece is the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers
  • Romanesque crypt, which houses tapestries, sculptures, paintings, and religious antiquities.
  • The Baroque High Altar
  • The Rococo pulpit
  • The tombs of Ghent bishops
  • Silverware
  • Liturgical vestments
     

How to reach

The best way is to take the tram line 1, 4, 24. Tickets are 1.30 Euros if you buy at the ticket machine, and 2 Euros if you buy on the tram
The cheapest way to get from Brussels Central Station to St Bavo's Cathedral is to drive which costs 6  to 10 EURO and takes 41minutes
The quickest way to get from Brussels Central Station to St Bavo's Cathedral is to taxi which costs 110 to 140EURO and takes 41minutes

Tips

  • The cathedral is open daily, with some holiday closures and shortened hours during winter
  • The crypt, choir aisle, and chapels are not accessible by wheelchair
  • There is an adapted toilet in the Ibis Hotel 30 m away
  • Audio guides are available in Dutch, French, English, German, Spanish, and Japanese
  • Don't eat or drink inside the cathedral
  • Photography is prohibited
  • Don't make a noise or talk during the visit
  • Best place for meditation or to get relaxed
  • Visitors must be properly clothed
  • Put your cell phone on silent mode or turn it off

Visit Time

Sunday:            1.00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
Monday:            8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
Tuesday:           8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
Wednesday:      8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
Thursday:          8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
Friday:               8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
Saturday:          8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Time Icon

Waiting Time

None

 

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Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 4.13°C

 

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