Cities
Belgium Ghent Flemish Region Church

St James’ Church

About

St James’ Church in Ghent is a striking blend of Romanesque strength and Gothic elegance, standing at the edge of the Vrijdagmarkt where merchants once gathered for weekly markets. Founded in the twelfth century on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, it became one of the city’s most important parish churches, enriched over time by guilds and wealthy patrons. Its twin western towers, massive stonework and later Gothic additions reflect centuries of architectural evolution, while the interior reveals a warm, atmospheric space filled with altarpieces, carved woodwork and memorials to Ghent’s historic families. Despite periods of decline, the church has been carefully restored, preserving its layered character and deep connection to the surrounding neighbourhood. Today, St James’ Church remains a living monument, offering visitors a vivid sense of Ghent’s medieval past and its enduring civic traditions.

Ghent Belgium
St James’ Church
Location

St James’ Church (Sint-Jacobskerk) is located on Bij Sint-Jacobs, on Saint James’ Square just north of Ghent’s historic city centre. It sits within easy walking distance of the Belfry of Ghent and the main medieval sights, only a few minutes from the central pedestrian area. Around the church you will find Saint James’ Square, a lively focal point during the Ghent Festivities, as well as nearby cultural venues, bars and eateries such as Trefpunt and the surrounding streets of the old town.

Museum voor Schone Kunsten Museum voor Schone Kunsten Museum SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art Museum STAM - Ghent City Museum STAM - Ghent City Museum Museum Museum of Industry Ghent Museum of Industry Ghent Museum Huis van Alijn Huis van Alijn Museum GUM - Gents Universiteitsmuseum & Plantentuin GUM - Gents Universiteitsmuseum & Plantentuin Museum Design Museum Gent Design Museum Gent Museum Museum Dr. Guislain Museum Dr. Guislain Museum Herbert Foundation Herbert Foundation Museum Flanders Expo Flanders Expo Events Venue Kunsthal Gent Kunsthal Gent Gallery Kristof De Clercq gallery Kristof De Clercq gallery Gallery TATJANA PIETERS TATJANA PIETERS Gallery Capitole Ghent Capitole Ghent Theatre NTGent NTGent Theatre Opera Ghent Opera Ghent Opera House Theater Tinnenpot Theater Tinnenpot Theatre CAMPO Nieuwpoort kunstencentrum CAMPO Nieuwpoort kunstencentrum Theatre VIERNULVIER VIERNULVIER Events Venue Gravensteen Gravensteen Castle Geeraard de Duivelsteen Geeraard de Duivelsteen Fortress Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Saint Bavo’s Cathedral Cathedral Saint Nicholas’ Church Saint Nicholas’ Church Church Saint Michael’s Church Saint Michael’s Church Church St Anne’s Church St Anne’s Church Church Church of St. Stefanus Church of St. Stefanus Church Church of St Anthony of Padua Church of St Anthony of Padua Church Belfry of Ghent Belfry of Ghent Historical Landmark Korenlei Korenlei Street Jacob van Artevelde Jacob van Artevelde Statue Stadshal Stadshal Historical Landmark Graffiti Street Graffiti Street Historical Landmark Saint Michael's Bridge Saint Michael's Bridge Bridge Citadelpark Citadelpark Park Monument Jan Frans Willems Monument Jan Frans Willems Monument Koning Albertpark Koning Albertpark Park Playground Blaarmeersen Playground Blaarmeersen Park Paul de Smet de Naeyer Park Paul de Smet de Naeyer Park Park Universiteit Gent - Botanical Garden Universiteit Gent - Botanical Garden Botanical Garden Wondelgemse meersen Wondelgemse meersen Park UGent Volkssterrenwacht Armand Pien UGent Volkssterrenwacht Armand Pien Observatory