Saint Michael's Church, Ghent

Documents from 1105 testify to the existence on the site of a chapel dedicated to Saint Michael, which was subordinate to another parish.

Construction of the current late Gothic church was probably commenced in 1440, and took place in two phases, separated by a long interval.

During the first phase, in the 15th and 16th centuries, the western part of the building was built, including the tower, the three-aisled nave and transept.

Then, due to religious conflicts, not only did construction stop, but looting and destruction took place.

Local architect Lieven Cruyl made a design for the unfinished western tower in 1662.

The church has a rich neo-Gothic interior, including an altar and a pulpit in that style.