Ghent - Sint-Niklaaskerk

Sint-Niklaaskerk (= Saint Nicholas' Church) as seen from the bridge over the Leie river. The erection of this large church started in the 13th century and replaced earlier Romanesque church here. It was built in a Gothic style, that later got typical for the area.

This is not the bishop´s chathedral. This church, located next to the busy Kornmarkt, was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of merchants, sailors, coopers and pawnbrokers. So the guilds greatly funded this building. Later the guilds even had their own chapels, added to the sides of the church.

Until the Belfry of Ghent, seen in the backdrop, was built, Sint-Niklaaskerk´s tower served as an observation post and carried the town bells.