The Flemish city of Ghent boasts countless monuments. Among these are centuries-old churches where one can encounter Our Lady. There are abundant opportunities to see Mary in churches and on facades. Definitely worth visiting are Saint Bavo's Cathedral and the nearby Saint Nicholas' Church. Other churches include Saint Michael's Church, Saint James' Church, Saint Salvator's Church, Church of the Presentation of Mary, Saint Peter's Church, Saint Martin's Church and the Nativity of Mary Church.
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St Bavo's Cathedral
St Bavo's Cathedral is the most impressive church in Ghent and the seat of the diocese. It is the oldest parish church in the city. The earliest records date back to the 10th century. In the 16th century, the church took on its current form. The polyptych painting, “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”, can be seen in the church. This altarpiece, which also depicts Mary, dates from 1432 and was painted by Hubert (Huybrecht) van Eyck (1366-1426) and Jan van Eyck (1390-1441). The church became a cathedral in 1559 with the establishment of the Diocese of Ghent.
The cathedral contains representations of Mary, both in the form of sculptures and paintings. Among other things, there is a white, crowned statue of Mary, surrounded by stars and lights as a halo, where she is crushing the serpent. A painting of Mary and Child from c. 1520, in oil on panel with dimensions of c. 18 cm by 12 cm. This is attributed to the Master of Willem van Bibaut (1475-1525). A crowned statue of Mother and Child, where rich clothing is visible with the title “Our Lady of Radiance”.
A large statue of Mary stands in an altar niche. Mary is wearing a red, ornate robe and over that, she wears a blue, ornate mantle. Her face is directed downwards with closed eyes, a golden halo around her body, and stars around her head. The Virgin Mary has her arms and hands open, stands on a crescent moon, on a blue, ornate plinth, and is trampling the serpent.
The cathedral is open daily.
Address: Sint-Baafsplein 1, 9000 Ghent.
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