Saint James' Church

The Church of Saint James

The Ghent audio-guided tour presents you with the Church of Saint James, a unique witness of nearly nine centuries of religious architecture, on the road of the pilgrims of Compostela.

Nine centuries of religious architecture

In the eleventh century stood here a wooden church, already dedicated to Saint James, which the pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela passed. A century later, the building was rebuilt in stone in a Romanesque style, of which remain today the base of the octagonal bell tower, the two western towers and the pillars of the transept. Marked by transformations, destructions and extensions, the church sums up on its own all the periods of the religious architecture of the region; a severe fire in 1400 earned it its asymmetrical façade. A former place of prayer of the guilds, those associations of merchants protected by the city, it today hosts socio-cultural activities, without renouncing its religious dimension.

What there is to see

The Church of Saint James invites contemplation through the diversity of its styles, from its Romanesque towers to its asymmetrical façade born of a fire. A witness of nine centuries of history and a stage on the road of Compostela, it combines religious memory and cultural life. It is an endearing building, to be discovered by those who love the history of places of worship.

Practical information

The Church of Saint James is in the historic centre of Ghent. A place of worship and cultural activities, it is discovered with respect for the services, according to hours to be checked on site.

What remains of the Romanesque church?

The base of the octagonal bell tower, the two western towers and the pillars of the transept, dating from the twelfth century.

Why is the façade asymmetrical?

Following a severe fire that occurred in 1400, which durably marked the building.