St Bavo's Cathedral, Gothic cathedral in Ghent, Belgium
Sint-Baafskathedraal is a Gothic cathedral located in the center of Ghent, Belgium. The structure blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Brabantine Gothic styles, with a tower reaching 89 meters (292 feet), several side chapels, and a spacious choir behind the main altar.
Construction of the Gothic building began in 1274 on the site of an older chapel dedicated to John the Baptist. The choir, side aisles, and transepts were added in several stages, with work finishing in 1569.
The building takes its name from Saint Bavo, a seventh-century Frankish nobleman who gave up his possessions to live as a hermit near the city. The fifteenth-century altarpiece by Jan and Hubert van Eyck draws visitors from around the world who come to see its detailed painted panels arranged in a chapel off the main nave.
Visitors can enter the building on most days of the year, except January 1st. For the separate altarpiece exhibition, booking tickets online in advance helps avoid waiting in line.
A tactile scale model with braille labels lets visitors who are blind or have low vision feel the layout and shape of the building. The main organ contains more than 6,000 pipes and is played using five manual keyboards.
Location: Ghent
Inception: 1559
Architectural style: Gothic architecture, Romanesque architecture, Brabantine Gothic
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Address: Sint-Baafsplein 1A
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 08:30-17:30; Sunday 13:00-17:30
Phone: +3293971500
Website: https://sintbaafskathedraal.be
GPS coordinates: 51.05297,3.72706
Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:25
Flanders in Belgium is a region with a rich history stretching back centuries. Visitors find medieval town centers, old castles, cathedrals, and museums that tell stories of trade, art, and craftsmanship. Cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp display the architecture and culture of earlier times, while smaller towns like Damme and Veurne preserve the character of the past. In Bruges, visitors can walk through narrow streets, relax by the canals, and taste Belgian beer in traditional breweries. Ghent stands out for its Graslei waterfront and the imposing Castle of the Counts of Flanders. Antwerp offers a town hall on the Grand-Place, a respected diamond museum, and the Rubenshuis, the home of painter Peter Paul Rubens. Along the coast, visitors find beach towns like Blankenberge and Knokke-Heist, a nostalgic tram, and nature reserves. Inland, there are war museums in Ieper, chocolate museums in several cities, and specialized collections like the harp museum. Fishermen in Oostduinkerke preserve traditional methods, while parks and nature areas offer space to explore.
Belfry of Ghent
161 m
Geeraard de Duivelsteen
145 m
Mammelokker
171 m
Stadshal
217 m
Ghent City Hall
213 m
Monument ter ere van de gebroeders Van Eyck
93 m
Aula Academica
267 m
Sint-Jorishof
186 m
Statue of Willem I
187 m
Bisschoppelijk Paleis Gent
111 m
Royal Dutch Theatre
142 m
Achtersikkel
120 m
Lakenhalle
161 m
Fountain of Kneeling Youths
233 m
Bank van de Arbeid
183 m
Provinciehuis
164 m
Huis van Oombergen
281 m
Emile Braunschool
236 m
José Rizal historical marker
112 m
Wijdenaardbrug
169 m
Bibliotheek van het Bisschoppelijk Seminarie Gent
73 m
Hof van Sint-Baafs
158 m
Nieuwbrug
289 m
François Laurentbrug
171 m
Jan-Frans Willems
113 m
Emile Braun
214 m
François Laurent memorial
274 m
Statue of Lieven Bauwens
198 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes