St. Macharius

Ghent

This was my favourite place to visit in Ghent. I could have taken pictures all day in the ruin of St. Bavo's Abbey. An quiet oasis in the city, we were the only people there. So quiet and serene and many courtyards to explore including a medieval church. 

Founded in the 7th century, the former abbey is now ruins echoing the history that took place here. The oldest wall in Ghent stands here.

The original Romanesque church that was destroyed is marked out by lovely hedges so you can see where it once stood as the five-metre-high shrubbery columns mark out the foundations.

Entry was free.
This was my favourite place to visit in Ghent. I could have taken pictures all day in the ruin of St. Bavo's Abbey. An quiet oasis in the city, we were the only people there. So quiet and serene and many courtyards to explore including a medieval church. 

Founded in the 7th century, the former abbey is now ruins echoing the history that took place here. The oldest wall in Ghent stands here.

The original Romanesque church that was destroyed is marked out by lovely hedges so you can see where it once stood as the five-metre-high shrubbery columns mark out the foundations.

Entry was free.
Ghent

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in St. Macharius

Aparthotel Castelnou

Aparthotel Castelnou

3.5 out of 5
Kasteellaan 51 Ghent
The price is S$169 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$169
per night
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Stay at this hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (439 reviews)
Room clean but looking a bit tired. More hangers for clothes and an extra pillow both would be good. Welcome pack was appreciated.Ideal location and breakfast was good. Staff were friendly and helpful. The angle of shower in bath is as a bit precarious if standing for shower.but overall we would ...

Reviewed on 3 Jan, 2026

Aparthotel Castelnou
Novotel Gent Centrum

Novotel Gent Centrum

3.5 out of 5
Hoogpoort 52 Ghent
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$157 per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
S$157
per night
26 Feb - 27 Feb
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (990 reviews)
The check in was great. We arrived too early for our room but they happily stored our luggage until later. The room is great.

Reviewed on 31 Dec, 2025

Novotel Gent Centrum
B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum

3 out of 5
Voldersstraat 17 Ghent
The price is S$140 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$140
per night
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Stay at this hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
The hotel was right in the middle of the city which was excellent. It’s a tram ride from the station or a 30 minute walk. The booking in was easy, staff lovely and the room perfect.

Reviewed on 12 Jan, 2026

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum
ibis Gent Centrum Opera

ibis Gent Centrum Opera

3 out of 5
Nederkouter 24 Ghent
The price is S$116 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
S$116
per night
1 Mar - 2 Mar
Stay at this hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (365 reviews)
Staff were very friendly and helpful. Room was clean and comfortable. Slept really well. Breakfast had options to accommodate my Dairy Allergy. Great Location!

Reviewed on 20 Jan, 2026

ibis Gent Centrum Opera
Van der Valk Hotel Gent

Van der Valk Hotel Gent

4.5 out of 5
Akkerhage 10 Ghent
The price is S$162 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
S$162
per night
22 Feb - 23 Feb
Stay at this luxury hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (665 reviews)
This hotel was wonderful! The room was so spacious and bright. The shower was so relaxing and spacious. The toilet was separate from the bathroom which was a nice feature. The breakfast buffet was delicious, abundant and staff was friendly. The on site restaurant- Limoncello- was FANTASTIC! The waitstaff, ...

Reviewed on 27 Jan, 2026

Van der Valk Hotel Gent
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

4.5 out of 5
Hoogstraat 36 Ghent
The price is S$214 per night from 27 Feb to 28 Feb
S$214
per night
27 Feb - 28 Feb
Stay at this luxury hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Beautiful hotel 10/10 couldnt recommend highly enough.Superb

Reviewed on 24 Jan, 2026

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around St. Macharius

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Heirnis

Heirnis might not have many top sights, but Capitole Theatre and Glass Alley are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Heirnis
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Zuid

You'll enjoy the parks and shopping in Zuid. You might want to make time for a stop at Ghent South Shopping Center or Ghent Public Library.

Zuid
Ghent Town Hall showing a sunset, an administrative building and heritage architecture

Ghent City Centre

4.5/5(70 area reviews)

Historical sites, cafes and museums are some highlights of Ghent City Centre. Make a stop by Masons' Guild Hall or Belfry of Ghent while you're exploring.

Ghent City Centre
Gravensteen featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and street scenes

Patershol

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Patershol is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Gravensteen Castle and Old Fish Market.

Patershol
Ghent XXL panorama

Graslei and Korenlei

If you're spending some time in Graslei and Korenlei, Korenmarkt Square and St. Michael's Bridge are top sights worth seeing.

Graslei and Korenlei
The Campo Santo  in Sint-Amandsberg

Sint-Amandsberg

5/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Sint-Amandsberg. You might want to make time for a stop at Illuseum or ElenQVino.

Sint-Amandsberg


St. Macharius