Saint Bavo Cathedral

Saint Bavo Cathedral, known locally as Sint-Baafskathedraal, stands as a majestic testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of Ghent, Belgium. This grand cathedral, with its towering presence and intricate details, is a must-visit for anyone exploring the cultural and historical treasures of the city.

The Historical Tapestry of Saint Bavo Cathedral

The origins of Saint Bavo Cathedral date back to the 10th century when it was originally a parish church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The church was consecrated in 942 by Transmar, the Bishop of Tournai, and was known as Saint John’s Church (Sint-Janskerk). The cathedral’s historical journey took a significant turn in the 16th century when the canons of the Saint Bavo Abbey were forced to relocate due to the construction of the Spanish Castle by Emperor Charles V. They found their new home in Saint John’s Church, which was subsequently renamed to honor Saint Bavo.

In 1559, with the establishment of the Diocese of Ghent, Saint Bavo’s Church was elevated to the status of a cathedral. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous transformations, reflecting the architectural styles and artistic influences of different periods.

Architectural Evolution

The architectural evolution of Saint Bavo Cathedral is a fascinating journey through time. The original Romanesque church from the 12th century has left behind its crypt, which serves as a silent witness to the cathedral’s ancient origins. The present Gothic structure was built in phases, starting in the early 14th century with the construction of the choir. This part of the cathedral showcases the influence of Northern French Gothic and Scheldt Gothic styles.

The second phase of construction took place between 1462 and 1538, during which the impressive 89-meter-high west tower was erected. This tower, built in the Brabantine Gothic style, is a prominent feature of Ghent’s skyline. The third phase began in 1533 with the construction of the nave, and over the years, additions in Renaissance, Baroque, and Classicist styles have further enriched the cathedral’s architectural tapestry.

The tower of Saint Bavo Cathedral is one of the three famous towers of Ghent, standing alongside the Belfry and Saint Nicholas’ Church. The tower itself comprises four levels and is crowned by four substantial pinnacles. Originally, the tower was topped with a small spire, which was lost in a fire. Today, it houses seven bells, with the heaviest, named Bavo, weighing a remarkable 5,500 kilograms.

Artistic Treasures

Saint Bavo Cathedral is a treasure trove of art and history. Its most renowned masterpiece is the polyptych The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck, completed in 1432. This iconic work is considered a pinnacle of 15th-century Flemish painting and has been housed in the cathedral’s Sacrament Chapel since 2021. Visitors can explore this masterpiece in a dedicated visitor center.

Other notable artworks within the cathedral include The Conversion of Saint Bavo (1623-1624) by Peter Paul Rubens, the 15th-century Calvary Triptych attributed to Justus of Ghent, and the Viglius Triptych by Frans Pourbus the Elder (1571). The cathedral also boasts a collection of paintings depicting the history of Saint Andrew by the same artist.

The cathedral’s interior is further adorned with a baroque high altar made of white, black, and red-veined marble, a rococo pulpit crafted by Laurent Delvaux (1741-1745), and the elaborate tombs of Ghent’s bishops, including the white and black marble tomb of Bishop Antonius Triest, a masterpiece by Hiëronymus Duquesnoy the Younger.

The Cathedral’s Treasury

The treasury of Saint Bavo Cathedral is a repository of liturgical and artistic treasures. It houses an array of goldsmith’s work and liturgical vessels, including relics of Saint Macarius and a reliquary of Saint John the Baptist. The collection also features works by renowned goldsmiths such as Lesteens, Van Campe, and others.

The cathedral’s collection of liturgical vestments and textiles spans from the 15th to the 20th century. Among the highlights are a set of vestments from the Saint Bavo Abbey featuring finely embroidered scenes in Renaissance needlework. These include depictions of the Visitation and the Annunciation. A red vestment adorned with scenes from the Mystic Lamb by Arte Grossé is another notable piece. Selected items from this collection are displayed in the crypt, while the rest are preserved in the bishop’s sacristy adjacent to the choir chapels.

The Magnificent Organ

The cathedral’s organ is another highlight, featuring a baroque organ case from the 18th century, likely crafted by a Ghent cabinetmaker or sculptor, possibly Boudewijn van Dickele. The instrument comprises two independent sections, with the older organ in the transept containing registers from its original construction (1653-1656) by Pierre Destré and Louis Bis of Lille, commissioned by Bishop Antonius Triest. The organ underwent significant renovation by the Ghent organ builder Lambertus Benoit Van Peteghem in 1767.

The newer organ, installed above the choir stalls, was built by Johannes Klais for the 1935 World Exhibition in Brussels, where it received acclaim from an international jury. This organ, acquired on the orders of Bishop Coppieters, features 90 registers, making it the largest organ in the Benelux region.

Restoration Efforts

In recent years, Saint Bavo Cathedral has undergone extensive restoration to preserve its architectural and artistic heritage. The restoration campaign, which began in 2005, was divided into eight phases and took at least 15 years to complete, with a minimum cost of 25 million euros. The primary focus was on the conservation of the cathedral.

The restoration of the cathedral’s tower commenced in the spring of 2013, with the 90-meter-high structure enveloped in scaffolding for at least four years. The safety measures included the removal of the monument lighting and all electrical cables to ensure the safety of the restorers.

Saint Bavo Cathedral is not just a place of worship; it is a monument to the rich cultural and historical heritage of Ghent. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, and its art and architecture continue to inspire awe and reverence. A visit to this magnificent cathedral is a journey through time, offering a glimpse into the soul of this beautiful Belgian city.