Saint Bavo’s Cathedral

Sint-Baafskathedraal has a long and detailed history. As early as 942, a small church is said to have been dedicated to John the Baptist here. A Romanesque church was built in the mid-12th century, traces of which can still be found in the murals adorning the crypt. The Gothic church we are familiar with today was built in the 15th and 16th centuries when it was still referred to as Sint-Janskerk (Saint John’s Church). The nearby Sint-Baafsabdij (Saint Bavo’s Abbey) was dissolved in 1536 by order of the Emperor Charles V. The monks became canons and their chapter moved to the church, which was henceforth referred to as Sint-Baafskerk (Saint Bavo’s Church). Until 1559 when the diocese of Ghent was established and the church became a cathedral. One of the cathedral’s chief administrators was Bishop Anthonius Triest. The opulent, Baroque interior bears witness to his powerful influence. Sint-Baafskathedraal is a true treasure trove, with many other art treasures in addition to the Mystic Lamb, including The Conversion of Saint Bavo by Peter Paul Rubens and the tomb created by Jerôme Duquesnoy II for Bishop Triest.

After visiting the crypt, you will reach the Chapel of Saint Peter and Paul. There you will find The Conversion of Saint Bavo, also known as The Entry of Saint Bavo. Bishop Anthonius Triest commissioned this work for the former high altar of Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.

Bavo was born around 589 in Liège. According to legend, he led a very wild life. After the death of his wife, however, he decided to reform. He donated all his possessions to the poor and became a monk and follower of St Amand.  

On the front steps, you can see the land agent who, by order of Bavo, is distributing his possessions to the poor. On the left, to the side of the steps, Bavo’s daughter looks upward to the main scene on the stairs: Bavo, in armour, is kneeling. St Amand, his hand on the handrail, is greeting the convert.