The Ghent Altarpiece Heist: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

Admire the ornate façade where our Van Eyck mystery tour begins. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Stroll past the Stadshal, Ghent's modern pavilion of wood, glass and concrete, once mocked by locals as "the sheep shed." It now hosts concerts and dance shows. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Walk along to St Bavo's Cathedral, home to Van Eyck's Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece, stolen in 1934. Step inside to see the recovered panels and the still-missing Just Judges. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Learn how the bishop negotiated with the mysterious blackmailer. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Pass by the Geeraard de Duivelsteen, an ancient Gothic fortress named after Gerald the Devil. Police searched it in 1936 hunting for the stolen Van Eyck panel, but found nothing. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Today it houses startups, cafés and a concert hall. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Stroll past De Krook, Ghent's striking black city library on the river. Learn about the wartime hunt for the missing panel while admiring this modern architectural landmark. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Step through the door to admire whitewashed walls, vaulted ceilings and traces of medieval frescoes. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.

Historians once believed their studio stood on this very corner. Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour.