Saint Bavo’s Cathedral

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) anchors Ghent’s historic core with layered architecture from Romanesque roots to soaring Gothic. Its chief draw is the world‑renowned Ghent Altarpiece by Jan and Hubert van Eyck, meticulously restored and viewable up close in a dedicated chapel. Visitors also find Rubens’s Saint Bavo Entering the Monastery, a serene crypt, and a tall tower offering city views (by appointment). Expect an active parish with occasional services and concerts; check schedules for altarpiece access and ticketed entry. Ideal for art and history lovers, the cathedral pairs masterpiece viewing with atmospheric stone, stained glass, and centuries of civic memory.