Saint Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)

One of the greatest art treasures in the world stands hidden in the bustling city of Ghent: the Adoration of the Lamb of God by the van Eyck brothers, also known as the Ghent Altarpiece. After a thorough restoration he is now back home. Finally. The brand new visitor center in St. Bavo's Cathedral reveals the mysteries of this masterpiece.

Art history was written in Ghent in 1432. In the striking St Bavo's Cathedral, Jan van Eyck presented the world with a magnum opus: the Adoration of the Lamb of God. A monumental work of twelve panels, each depicting a biblical scene.

With the help of augmented reality glasses, the incredible history of the altar comes to life. You immerse yourself in the medieval hustle and bustle of the city of Ghent, stand in the first row when the Prussian king buys the panels or the Nazis almost destroyed them. Rating: Definitely worth seeing!

The church was originally a parish church dedicated to John the Baptist. In 942 Transmar, the bishop of Tournai, came to consecrate the church as Sint-Janskerk.

Emperor Charles V wanted to teach rebellious Ghent a lesson by letting the insurgents pass through the city with a noose around their neck (the noose wearers) and in nightgowns. He wanted to keep Ghent under control forever by erecting the Spanjaardenkasteel on the site of St. Bavo's Abbey (located right next to the confluence of the Leie and the Scheldt). As a result, the canons of Sint-Baafs were obliged to move to another chapter place, which they found in 1539 in the Sint-Janskerk. The church became a collegiate church and was henceforth known as the Sint-Baafskerk (see Bavo). With the episcopal reorganization of the Netherlands in 1559, the diocese of Ghent was established; St Bavo's Church was elevated to a cathedral.

Until a few years ago, St. John's Church was still the parish church of the St. John's Parish and also of St. Bavo's Cathedral, the main church of the diocese of Ghent. A few years ago, however, the parishes of Sint-Michiels, Sint-Niklaas and Sint-Baafs were merged, and since then the Sint-Michielskerk has served as the parish church for the three former parishes. St Bavo's Cathedral now only functions as a cathedral.
Source: wikipedia

The Sint Baafskathedraal is one of the highlights in ghent when it comes to catholic achitecture. Inside you can find the famous Alterpiece painted by the Van Eyck brothers. There is an entrance fee for this though. If you don't like spending the money there is a replica at the back of the cathedral but it's behind a door in one of the side chapels so you might not get a good look at it. Also don't forget to go downstairs to the catacombs where some relics from ancient times are stored. It also gives you a view of the oldest parts of the cathedral.