The diocese of Ghent was established in 1559. The first bishop, Corneel Janssen, had big plans for a seminary, but they remained on the drawing board. Only in 1622 did things start moving under Bishop Anthony Triest. He commissioned architect Pieter Huyssens to build a seminary on Biezekapelstraat. In 1625, it opened its doors for the first time. Over the centuries, the building grew and changed as it was given new functions. An impressive seminary library was added, followed by a detailed renovation in the 19th century. However, the building eventually became too small for the many students. The college moved to a new complex on De Reep, with space for 200 seminarians, professors, auditoriums and its own library.
What happened to the old seminary? It was given a second life, when the Sisters of Charity established an elementary school with boarding school in the building. The building therefore remained a place of education, even after its theological days.
From the 1960s onwards, the number of priestly vocations declined, leaving large parts of the seminary building on De Reep empty. In 2001, the seminary moved, vacating the site for the Vlerick Business School. However, the old seminary building on Biezekapelstraat, in the shadow of St Bavo's Cathedral, was not forgotten. The diocese of Ghent decided to reimagine the building as a home for its services, a training centre, and a location for the impressive seminary library.
After a thorough restoration and renovation, the renovated St Bavo's House opened its doors in 2024. It's become a place where history crosses paths with the future. In addition to its religious function, St Bavo's House is now a stylish venue for those organising a seminar, meeting, training course, or event. A hidden gem in the historic heart of Ghent, just waiting to be discovered.
