St Martin's Church Ekkergem
Ghent's oldest parish church, a beautiful monument featuring a unique leaning tower and a well-maintained, harmonious interior.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
St Martin's Church Ekkergem
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ghent's oldest parish church, a beautiful monument featuring a unique leaning tower and a well-maintained, harmonious interior.
"A beautiful monument with a unique leaning tower and a nicely balanced interior."
📸 Admire the Architecture
Take time to appreciate the beautiful monument and its unique leaning tower. :camerawithflash:
🤫 Respect the Serenity
This is an active parish church; enjoy the peaceful ambiance and quiet contemplation. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Parish Church
Discover Ghent's oldest parish church, a testament to centuries of history and architectural evolution.

Leaning Tower
Admire the unique leaning tower, a distinctive feature that adds character to this historic monument.

Nicely Balanced Interior
Experience the harmonious and well-maintained interior, showcasing the church's enduring beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Glimpse into History
Quiet Contemplation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Admire the Architecture
Take time to appreciate the beautiful monument and its unique leaning tower. :camerawithflash:
🤫 Respect the Serenity
This is an active parish church; enjoy the peaceful ambiance and quiet contemplation. :pray:
📍 Location Insight
Situated near the former Military Hospital, now Ghent West Police Station. :round_pushpin:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Admire the Architecture
Take time to appreciate the beautiful monument and its unique leaning tower. :camerawithflash:
🤫 Respect the Serenity
This is an active parish church; enjoy the peaceful ambiance and quiet contemplation. :pray:
📍 Location Insight
Situated near the former Military Hospital, now Ghent West Police Station. :round_pushpin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Martin's Church Ekkergem as a beautiful and historically significant monument, noting its status as Ghent's oldest parish church and its well-maintained, balanced interior. The unique leaning tower is also a frequently mentioned highlight.
"The oldest parish church in Gent. Absolutely beautiful."
Anthony Shaw
"Beautiful church..... enjoyed the communion conducted by the Klimop school there"
Ashuwini Tharad
"A beautiful monument"
MariusOMIP2
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Martin's Church Ekkergem is accessible by public transport within Ghent. Local bus routes typically serve the Ekkergem area. It's advisable to check real-time public transport schedules for the most direct routes from your starting point in Ghent.
Parking availability near St. Martin's Church Ekkergem can be limited, especially on weekdays due to its urban location. Consider using public transport or cycling if possible. If driving, look for street parking or nearby public parking facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St. Martin's Church Ekkergem is generally free, as it is an active parish church. Donations are often welcome to help with maintenance and upkeep.
The church is typically open during daylight hours for visitors to admire its interior. However, specific opening times can vary, especially during services or special events. It's best to visit during the day for the most accessible experience.
Yes, St. Martin's Church Ekkergem is an active parish church, and visitors are welcome to attend its regular services. Check the church's schedule for mass times and other religious events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can admire the 'nicely balanced interior,' the confessional, rood loft, and pulpit. The church is well-maintained and offers a sense of historical depth.
While the main church area is generally accessible, some older buildings may have limitations. The glass extension mentioned during the corona crisis provided good views, suggesting some modern adaptations. It's advisable to inquire directly about specific accessibility needs.
The church is noted for its beautiful monument status and features a distinctive leaning tower, adding a unique visual element to its historical presence.
📸 📷 Photography
Photography is usually permitted inside churches for personal use, but it's always respectful to be discreet and avoid flash, especially during services. Check for any posted signage regarding photography rules.
The exterior, particularly the leaning tower, offers unique photographic opportunities. The interior's balanced design and historical elements also make for compelling shots.
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History Enthusiasts
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Deep Dives
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A Journey Through Time
The church is described as a beautiful monument, meticulously well maintained, and featuring a nicely balanced interior. Even during challenging times like the corona crisis, adaptations like a glass extension allowed visitors to still appreciate key architectural features such as the confessional, rood loft, and pulpit, demonstrating its enduring importance to the community.
Architectural Peculiarities
Beyond the tower, the interior is noted for its harmonious design. The careful preservation and maintenance ensure that visitors can experience the church as it was intended, a space of both spiritual significance and aesthetic appeal. Its location next to the former Military Hospital, now the Ghent West Police Station, places it within a historically rich area of the city.
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