St Michael's Church

Why go

The flat-topped tower makes the building's interrupted construction visible before you enter. Inside, the Gothic space provides a setting for Anthony van Dyck's Golgotha and paintings by Jan Boeckhorst. It is a useful counterpoint to the more layered interior of St Bavo's Cathedral if you want to compare Ghent's major churches.

What to look for

• The western tower ends abruptly under a flat roof instead of the planned spire.
• The Gothic interior has a notably coherent sense of space.
• Anthony van Dyck's Golgotha is among the paintings to seek out inside.

Useful to know

• Look at the tower from outside before entering; its unfinished shape explains part of the church's history.
• Check the church's current visiting period before crossing town for the interior.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.