St Saviour’s Church

Théodore Canneel (1817-1892)

Murals
Sint-Salvatorkerk Gent Header
Eric Bauwens

Sleepstraat 216, Gent

Practical information
Tourist information

Théodore Canneel’s plan was to create a chapel as a comprehensive work of art. Discover its neo-Byzantine murals under a radiant starry sky. The image of ‘Christ giving his blessing’ rising up no less than 5 m high is particularly impressive. Sitting on his throne he is able to see everyone who enters this precious edifice.

Ornate chapel interior with vivid murals on walls, blue and gold arched ceiling, stained glass windows, central altar, and red velvet seating.
Eric Bauwens

St Saviour’s Church

The church is also known in Ghent as the ‘Heilige Kerstkerk’ (Holy Christmas Church) and commonly referred to as the ‘Schipperskerk’ (Skippers’ Church) where Ghent bargee families gather for births, marriages and funerals, or simply to attend weekly Mass. It is no coincidence that a fragment of a ship can be found on the square in front of the church.

Murals

In the mid-nineteenth century, the Ghent painter and academy director Théodore Canneel designed neo-Byzantine murals for the walls of the church chancel. The main theme centres on a triumphant Christ as the saviour of the world. The entire church community has come to worship him. The paintings were recently restored. The colourful and atmospheric artwork, with numerous expressive figures, is once again shown to its full advantage.

A mural depicts three nuns in painted arches. The central nun gestures upwards passionately. The scene evokes devotion and reverence, highlighted by vibrant colors.
Eric Bauwens
Sint-Salvatorkerk Gent (exterieur)
Sint-Salvatorkerk Gent (interieur)
Amarant
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Practical information

Address

Sleepstraat 216
9000 Gent
Belgium
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Opening hours

  • Monday - Sunday: from 2 PM to 5 PM
  • Extra: on Saturday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Accessibility

  • Is partially accessible.

More information

Good to know

  • Admission: free

Any questions?

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