Saint Michael's Church, Ghent — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Saint Michael's Church is a Gothic landmark in the heart of Ghent, sitting at one end of Saint Michael's Bridge with a view that takes in the city's famous three-tower skyline. The church has roots going back to 1147, when it was first recognized as an independent parish church. The current late Gothic structure was built in two phases, starting around 1440. Work on the western section, including the nave, transept, and the distinctive unfinished tower, continued through the 15th and 16th centuries. After a long pause, construction resumed in 1623, adding a new Brabantine Gothic choir. The tower was meant to be much taller. Architect Lieven Cruyl designed a 134-metre Gothic spire in 1662, but it was never built. Instead, a flat roof was added in 1828, giving the tower its distinctive truncated appearance. Inside, the church holds masterpieces by Flemish painters, including Anthony van Dyck's "Christ Dying on the Cross" and Otto Venius's "Resurrection of Lazarus." The church's position between Saint Nicholas' Church and the Belfry of Ghent makes it part of one of the most photographed skylines in Belgium. The view from Saint Michael's Bridge at sunset, looking across to the three towers, is one of the iconic images of Ghent. Entry is free but hours are limited. If you're on a Questo quest through Ghent, Saint Michael's Church is a stop where an unfinished tower tells a story just as interesting as a completed one.