Saint Bavo's Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece in Ghent
Discover Ghent's iconic Saint Bavo's Cathedral, home to the world-renowned Ghent Altarpiece and a treasure trove of art and history, in the heart of the city.
Saint Bavo's Cathedral, or Sint-Baafskathedraal, stands as a proud landmark in the heart of Ghent, Belgium. Its origins trace back to the 10th century, evolving from a modest chapel into the imposing Gothic structure seen today. The cathedral is not only a significant religious site but also a treasure trove of art, most famously housing the Ghent Altarpiece, also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, a masterpiece by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. Visitors can explore the cathedral's rich history, admire its stunning architecture, and discover other remarkable artworks, including pieces by Peter Paul Rubens. With its central location and historical importance, Saint Bavo's Cathedral is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Ghent, offering a glimpse into the city's rich cultural and artistic heritage. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but there is a fee to view the Ghent Altarpiece.
A brief summary to Saint Bavo's Cathedral
- Sint-Baafsplein 1, Ghent, Arrondissement of Ghent, 9000, BE
- +3292692045
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 1 pm-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Book your tickets to see the Ghent Altarpiece in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
- Consider taking the augmented reality tour for an immersive experience that brings the history of the cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece to life.
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Gravensteen Castle and the Graslei and Korenlei quays for a full day of exploring Ghent.
- Note that while entry to the cathedral is free, viewing the Ghent Altarpiece requires a paid ticket; check the official website for current pricing.
Getting There
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Walking
Saint Bavo's Cathedral is centrally located on Sint-Baafsplein, making it easily accessible on foot from most central Ghent locations. From Korenmarkt, walk south towards the Belfry; the cathedral is directly adjacent. From Gravensteen Castle, walk southeast, crossing the Leie River, and continue straight to Sint-Baafsplein. The cathedral's prominent tower is visible from many points in the city center, aiding orientation.
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Public Transport
Several tram lines stop near Saint Bavo's Cathedral. Tram lines 1, 3, and 4 stop at Korenmarkt, a short walk from the cathedral. From Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station, take tram 1 or 3 to the Vogelmarkt stop, then walk five minutes to the cathedral. A single ride on the tram costs €3 if paying contactless on the tram, or less if purchasing a multi-use ticket in advance.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off directly at Sint-Baafsplein. Be aware that the area can be congested, especially during peak tourist season. A short taxi ride from Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station to the cathedral will cost approximately €14.4, depending on traffic and time of day. Base fare is €4.9 with €1.9 per kilometer.
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Driving
Driving directly to Saint Bavo's Cathedral is not recommended due to the pedestrianized city center and limited parking. The closest parking garages are Parking Vrijdagmarkt, Parking Reep, and Parking Sint-Michiels. Expect to pay around €3-€7 per hour for parking. Be aware of Ghent's low-emission zone (LEZ); register your vehicle online at least 24 hours before entering the city center to avoid fines. Foreign license plates must be registered.
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