Overview:

Saint Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent (Sint-Baafskathedraal van Gent) is the largest and most important church in the Belgian city of Ghent and the seat of the Archbishopric of Ghent. The cathedral was built between the 12th and 15th centuries, and is a prominent example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral was originally dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, and the current church is dedicated to Saint Bavo. Highlights of the cathedral include the massive 58 metre-high tower, the intricate late-Gothic choir screen, the stained-glass windows, and the magnificent carved-wood choir stalls. The tomb of Charles the Bold, last Duke of Burgundy, is located in the crypt of the cathedral. The cathedral also contains paintings by Peter Paul Rubens and a 30-tonne 15th century bell, known as "Roland". It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

1. Hall of Wisdom: The Hall of Wisdom, also known as the Pauszaal or throne room, is one of the grandest and most impressive features of St. Bavo's Cathedral. This room has been historic for centuries, as it was the original chapel of the cathedral. It is a large, rectangular hall, decorated in intricate and detailed designs in gold and rich colors. This magnificent hall filled with gold features an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, furniture, and tapestries. 2. Paintings and Artwork:There are numerous paintings and artwork within the walls of St. Bavo's Cathedral. These include works from—among others—Hans Memling, the Master of Flémalle, Rogier van der Weyden, Hugo van der Goes, Michelangelo, and Rubens. These paintings, many of which were donated to the cathedral over the centuries, are some of the finest examples from the 15th and 16th centuries. 3. The Altar and Tapestries:The main altar within the cathedral is made from marble and is surrounded by an impressive collection of tapestries. These tapestries were gifts from Charles V, the ruler of the Low Countries during the 16th century. These tapestries are some of the most detailed and intricate pieces in the entire building, depicting stories of religious symbolism and Christian history. 4. The Pulpit:This magnificent pulpit is one of the most famous features of St. Bavo's Cathedral. It was crafted during the Renaissance, and it is an intricately detailed piece of artwork. The relief carving depicting the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus is particularly stunning and dramatic. The pulpit also has several sculptures and statues carved into its sides, and there is a small stairway leading up to it. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent, Belgium traces its origins back to the 9th century AD. The cathedral was erected to accommodate the influx of pilgrims to the city attributed to the discovery of the relics of Saint Bavo, a Roman nobleman who was martyred in 586 AD. The earliest structure of the cathedral, completed in 851, was a smaller Romanesque church. Over the coming centuries, the cathedral was renovated and expanded several times. In the 12th century, a larger Gothic structure replaced the Romanesque one, and in 1302, this new structure was consecrated by Bertold of Aachen, the Bishop of Ghent. During the 16th century, a series of renovations led to the general appearance of the cathedral as seen today, featuring large traceried windows and a tall spire. In 1582, the cathedral was severely damaged during a French bombardment but was subsequently repaired in the 17th century. In the 19th century, more renovations and modifications were made to the exterior and interior of the cathedral, including the addition of a crypt in the 1900s. Today, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction in Ghent and is among the city’s best-known landmarks. It is still an active church, hosting regular masses and services throughout the year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Saint Bavo's Cathedral is located in Ghent, Belgium and is the seat of the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ghent. 2. The church was named after St. Bavo (506-589), who was a patron saint of Ghent, and is dedicated to him. 3. It is built in the Gothic style and is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country. 4. The earliest parts of the building date back to the 12th century, while construction work on the current structure began in 1238. 5. The Cathedral houses some of the greatest artworks in Belgium, including a Renaissance altarpiece and the 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' by Jan and Hubert van Eyck dating from 1432. 6. Additionally, the cathedral’s crypt is one of the largest in Europe and its octagonal-shaped chapter house has some of the most beautiful stained-glass windows in the world. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era