In the 11th century this site featured a wooden church dedicated to Saint James. A century later, a Romanesque church was constructed on the same site. Transformations, destructions and extensions alternated in the centuries to follow.

Ever since its construction, the church has been a meeting place for local residents and pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella. At the main entrance of the church, a scallop shell has been integrated into one of the flagstones. The scallop shell refers to the apostle Saint James, who is buried in Santiago de Compostella, where these shells used to be abundant. It marks the starting points or the milestones of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella. 

The church’s interior is a mixture of Romanesque and Baroque elements and art. The church houses a unique Van Peteghem organ and was a meeting place for the guilds. It also features numerous paintings, as well as the tomb of Jan Palfijn, the inventor of the forceps. 

St James’ church is now a church of culture, where activities are organised in a sociocultural context. It is once again a meeting place, centred around art and culture, without forgetting the religious aspect. 

The square around it, called Bij Sint-Jacobs, and the Trefpunt café are the true epicentre of the world-famous Ghent Festivities, the annual people’s festival in mid-July which really signals the beginning of summer in Ghent.

Monumentale Kerken Gent

The non-profit organisation Monumental Churches of Ghent tries to make the patrimony and cultural heritage of Ghent's central churches accessible to the general public.

Find out more about how the non-profit organisation MKG works

Monumentale Kerken Gent

Ghent's horizon is characterised by its many churches and their towers. This brochure takes you on a tour of Ghent's nine Monumental Churches. You will discover more about their rich history and the many works of art they house.

Available in 5 different languages: Dutch, French, English, German and Spanish

A paper version of this brochure is also available in the tourist office.

The information continues beneath the illustrations.