The church was intended to have a massive tower reaching 134 meters, but construction halted in 1566 due to the Iconoclastic Fury and financial constraints.
The interior contains 'Christ on the Cross' by Anthony van Dyck, painted in 1630 for the church’s high altar.
The building suffered significant damage during the French occupation in the late 18th century and later from World War I shelling.
It is the only church in Ghent that houses a collection of high-quality baroque paintings in their original context.
The church was built using Balegem stone, a sandy limestone characteristic of many medieval Flemish buildings.
Saint Michael's Church is a significant example of late-Gothic architecture located in the heart of Ghent. Construction of the building began in 1440 and continued in various phases over several centuries, resulting in an incomplete tower design. The interior houses an extensive collection of religious paintings, most notably Anthony van Dyck's 'Christ on the Cross'. The building features a distinctive cruciform floor plan with a wide nave and dual aisles. Several chapels flank the interior, containing 17th and 18th-century wood carvings and altarpieces. The church is positioned at the intersection of the Lys river and the city's historic core. It remains an active Catholic place of worship.
From the center of Saint Michael's Bridge, looking toward the church facade with the river in the foreground.
Walk the perimeter of the church to see the transition between the finished choir and the stump of the unfinished tower.
Look for the smaller details in the stained glass windows which commemorate various local guilds.
Visit during a clear day to appreciate how the light highlights the dark oil paintings hanging in the side aisles.
Do not mistake the nearby Saint Nicholas' Church or Saint Bavo's Cathedral for this building; check the facade's specific Gothic detailing.
Maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid taking photos during active prayer services.
