In the footsteps of the Ghent Altarpiece: Unique tours with the Ghent Guides

The Ghent Guides are the right people to turn to for an exciting themed walk. Go on a guided tour and be astonished by the eventful past of the Ghent Altarpiece or learn everything there is to know about fifteenth-century Ghent.

Make a choice from the following guided tours:

During the night of 10 April 1934, thieves succeeded in removing two panels of the famous altarpiece and disappearing with them into the night. The next morning the news was all over the newspapers but alas, no clues were found. The panels of the Just Judges and of Saint-John the Baptist had vanished. The latter was returned, the former has never been seen again.

From damage and almost-destruction to theft and contraband: the masterpiece by the van Eyck brothers has lived it all. During this walk a guide will give you a detailed account of the journeys of the altar throughout the centuries.

Languages: NL/ENG/FR/DE/ES/IT

Meeting point: St-Baafsplein, in front of the cathedral - Point of arrival: St. Bavo's Cathedral

Between 1363 and 1506 the Dukes of Burgundy reigned over the territories of Burgundy, Nevers, Picardy, Artois and Flanders. Philip the Good strived to establish a centralized government and was eager to collect taxes in the wealthiest and most populated region north of the Alps. The opulent lifestyle of the court of Burgundy was legendary. It was at this court that Jan Van Eyck was appointed court painter and personal chamberlain to the Duke.

What did Ghent look like in the fifteenth century, the era of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy? Who was Alderman Joos Vijd and why did he commission such an expensive work of art with the van Eyck brothers? And how could he afford it? You will discover it all during this city walk!

Languages: NL/ENG/FR/DE/ES

Meeting point: Tourist Information Center, Veerleplein - Point of arrival: St. Bavo's Cathedral