St. Bavo's Cathedral

Overview

Begun in the 12th century, Ghent's cathedral church houses the Van Eyck brothers' masterpiece 'The Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb).' This multi-panel work is one of the most important paintings in Western art history; its 20 intricately oil-painted panels heralded the start of Renaissance art. The altarpiece has been looted and recovered multiple times — by Napoleon and the Nazis — and is featured in the film 'The Monuments Men.' The Baroque interior décor and works by Rubens are also worth seeing. Cathedral free; Ghent Altarpiece about EUR 12.50. 3-minute walk from Tram 1 Korenmarkt stop.