St Bavo's Cathedral
Sint-Baafskathedraal51°03′ N 3°44′ E
St Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) in Ghent holds the Ghent Altarpiece and stands at the head of the Winter Festival on the Sint-Baafsplein, and it suits anyone who wants an hour of art and quiet between market squares. The cathedral opens daily except 1 January, and the altarpiece needs a ticket from €12.50.
Photo simonly · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0 and others, credited in the gallery
Most visitors come for the Ghent Altarpiece. It hangs in the central Chapel of the Sacrament, and Flemish speakers call it the Lam Gods (the Mystic Lamb). The third and last phase of its restoration began on 3 May 2023 and should finish in spring 2027. Until then seven panels in the cathedral are high-quality colour photographs, and you can watch the upper register being restored at the MSK Ghent museum.
The AR tour takes an hour and includes the altarpiece, and the altarpiece-only ticket suits anyone short of time. Book a slot online for December, when the Winter Festival chalets fill the Sint-Baafsplein outside from 3 December 2026.
Worth knowing
- Last entry to the AR tour is at 16:00, so aim for a morning slot on a market day.
- Sunday visiting starts at 13:00, after the 11:00 Mass.
Quick answers about St Bavo's Cathedral
How much does it cost to see the Ghent Altarpiece?
The Ghent Altarpiece costs €12.50 for a 25-minute visit on its own, or €16 with the 60-minute AR tour at St Bavo's Cathedral. Children under 12 pay €8 for the AR tour.
Is St Bavo's Cathedral wheelchair accessible?
Yes. St Bavo's has a ramp at the entrance, a lift to the crypt and upper choir, and an adapted toilet next to the crypt.
Is St Bavo's Cathedral open on New Year's Day?
No. St Bavo's Cathedral opens every day of the year except 1 January.