The Ghent Altarpiece
Sint-Baafsplein 1, Ghent, Belgium, 9000
St. Bavo’s Cathedral is the current home of the Ghent Altarpiece, a multi-panel artistic masterpiece that dates back to the 15th century. Painted in oils on wood by the Van Eyck brothers, the altarpiece has a rich history, including being taken by the Nazis and stored in a mine during World War II. Today, the altarpiece is restored and back in the cathedral, where many visitors travel to see its intricate 12 panels featuring more than 100 characters.
The basics
The core of the Ghent Altarpiece is a central panel that depicts Jesus Christ as a lamb—the altarpiece is also known as The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb or The Lamb of God. This complex altarpiece is a top cultural heritage landmark in Ghent, especially for travelers who are interested in art or religious history; the restoration story alone is a fascinating one. Most people spend about an hour visiting St. Bavo’s Cathedral and taking in the intricate detailsof the altarpiece. Walking tours of Ghent often include St. Bavo’s Cathedral in combination with other landmarks, such as Ghent Town Hall and the Belfry.
Things to know before you go
The Ghent Altarpiece is a must-see attraction for travelers interested in history, art, and religion.
The cathedral is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers with a ramp at the entrance.
To guarantee access, reserve tickets with timed entry in advance.
There is a small entry fee to see the Ghent Altarpiece.
How to get there
The Ghent Altarpiece is located with St. Bavo’s Cathedral in the heart of Ghent. Most visitors arrive on foot and combine a visit to the cathedral with other nearby attractions. If travellin by public transport, take the T1 or T2 tram or the 10, 11, or 12 bus to Gent Duivelsteen. Parking is limited, but a bikeshare program available; there are several bike stations throughout the city center.
When to get there
The cathedral is open daily: From Monday through Saturday, it’s typically open from 8:30am through to 5:30pm, while on Sunday its hours are usually from 1pm to 5:30pm. The Mystic Lamb Visitor’s Center has slightly shorter hours: 10 am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and 1 pm to 5pm on Sunday.
Augmented Reality tour
This cathedral offers a unique experience to discover the Ghent Altarpiece: an augmented reality tour. Two tours are available, both of which include access to the crypt, plus experiencing the Ghent Altarpiece through the lens of an AR device—choose between glasses or a tablet. With the device, 3D figures will appear within the real environment. This tour is available in nine languages.
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