St. Peter Abbey, Ghent

Saint Peter’s Abbey (Sint-Pietersabdij) in Ghent is a former Benedictine monastery with a rich history dating back to the late 7th century. Founded by Saint Amandus to convert the local pagans, the abbey began as a spiritual center alongside Saint Bavo’s Abbey. After a rocky start, including a Norman raid in 879-80, it flourished in the 10th century as a favored burial site for Flemish nobility. The current Baroque building, with classical details, dates to the 17th century, reflecting its rich history.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Saint Peter’s Abbey became a major religious, economic, and political power, managing extensive lands and overseas properties. Damaged during the 16th-century wars of religion, it was later rebuilt in a grand style. After the French Revolution, the abbey's properties were seized, and it served various roles, including as a military barracks, until its restoration after World War II.

Today, Saint Peter’s Abbey functions as a museum, exhibition center, and an exceptional venue for meetings and events. It offers a variety of unique spaces, such as the Gothic Chapter Room, Romanesque crypt, and light-filled break-out rooms overlooking a tranquil enclosed garden. The abbey’s grounds include a romantic garden with an orchard, vineyard, and herb garden.

Beyond its role as a historical and cultural site, Saint Peter’s Abbey continues to be a vibrant part of Ghent’s city life. It hosts exhibitions, and cultural events, and has served as a venue for significant gatherings, such as the 88th meeting of the European Council in 2001. With its blend of historical grandeur and modern amenities, Saint Peter’s Abbey remains a symbol of Ghent’s enduring heritage and community spirit.