St Bavo's Cathedral Ghent
St Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent is one of Belgium's most important religious buildings and houses the famous polyptych The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers (1432), one of the most influential works of art in the world. The cathedral combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, which makes it unique. Following recent restorations, the Ghent Altarpiece can be admired in a specially climate-controlled space.
The cathedral is partly accessible. The main entrance has a few steps, but wheelchair users can enter via an adapted side entrance with a ramp. The nave and choir are easy to reach. The crypt is not accessible for wheelchair users. The adapted visitor route for the Ghent Altarpiece is fully designed for wheelchairs, and audio guides are available in several languages, including sign language. Adapted toilets are present in the cathedral.
Sint-Baafsplein, the square in front of the cathedral, is completely level and accessible. Adapted reduced-mobility parking spaces can be found in the underground car parks at Sint-Michielshelling and Kouter. The centre of Ghent is largely low-traffic; visitors with a disabled parking permit are allowed access. Staff are happy to help plan a visit.
Good to know
- Reservation
- For the Ghent Altarpiece (Mystic Lamb), online booking with a time slot is required. Not necessary for the cathedral itself, but recommended in peak tourist season.
- Busy and quiet times
- Busiest on Saturdays, in July and August, and around religious feasts. Quietest on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
- Things to note
- The main entrance on Sint-Baafsplein has a threshold, but there is an adapted side entrance accessed by intercom. The Ghent Altarpiece itself is wheelchair accessible via a lift to the chapel; some upper chapels remain stairs-only.
- Visit tip
- Combine with the Belfry and the Graslei within wheelchair-friendly distance. Disabled parking under the Vrijdagmarkt or Sint-Pietersplein, both with a lift to street level.
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