Saint Nicholas' Church — Attraction in Ghent

Located at Cataloniestraat, 9000 Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪. This outstanding church is one of the oldest and prominent landmarks in Ghent. It’s situated near the Korenlei and Graslei. Begun in the early 13th century as a replacement for an earlier Romanesque church, construction continued through the rest of the century in the local Scheldt Gothic style (named after the nearby river). The church has always been the church of the merchants and traders since its foundation. The church’s stunning interior is the merit of the many guilds which each had a chapel in the church. The organ in St. Nicholas Church is one of the most important Romantic organs of Belgium. It was built by the noted French organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. Before the Cavaillé-Coll organ, the church had an organ built in 1840 by the Flemish organ builder Pierre Van Pethegem. In 1850, François-Joseph Fétis advocated the construction of a model organ in Belgium, he got support from dean Désiré Ignace Verduyn. They asked Cavaillé-Coll to make a proposal for a new organ, the first CC organ in Belgium. The stained glass windows are stunning, they depict the life of Mary and the crucifixion of Jesus. The church has a single bell tower that once served as a communal belfry. The atmosphere was very calming and peaceful. It was wonderful to sit and enjoy the serenity. I would very much recommend anyone to visit Saint Nicholas Church ⛪️. It was a wonderful experience for us. Thumbs...

This church is a very iconic part of the city of Ghent and a very important heritage piece of the Ghentians. This church was made by initiative of the Sint Pieters Abbey, a bit in competition with the Sint Baafs Abbey, who built the Sint Baafscathedraal near the Sint Niklaaskerk. Thid church is a good example of Schelde Gothiek. A Gothic style that was used in the areas near rhe Schelde river. This church was partially built for the boatmen of the Schelde and the Leie rivers who, back in the day believed in alot of the superstitions of the sea, like fear of seamonsters etc. So with the building of this Church they had a praying place before going on a sea journey because Saint Nicolas is the patronsaint of the seamen, bakers, merchants, etc. Ghent was also a big economic city of the time with alot of merchants and bussiness going on on the Korenmarkt. Ghent also had a big grain import from the countryside. You could translate 'Korenmarkt' in 'grain market'. Ghent had alot grain warehouses. This church was never finished. parts broke down and were burnt off in the making of this church. The church suffers from instabilities (it is safe to go inside) in the walls and pillars and they are being worked on since a very long time. The inside of the churche is very beautiful where you can see the efforts and attempts to maintain the church next to the beautiful catholic...

Saint Nicholas’ Church in Ghent is a must-visit if you’re exploring the city’s historic center. Located near the Belfry and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, it’s one of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks. The church is a stunning example of Scheldt Gothic architecture, built with beautiful blue-gray Tournai limestone. Its towering spires and grand facade make it a breathtaking sight, especially at sunset.

The interior is equally impressive, with tall arches, intricate stone carvings, and a peaceful atmosphere. One of its most unique features is the central tower, designed to let in natural light, giving the space a warm, inviting glow. It’s amazing to think that construction started in the 13th century, funded by wealthy merchants and guilds who helped shape Ghent’s history.

Despite suffering damage over the centuries, including during the Reformation, the church has been beautifully restored. It’s free to enter, making it a perfect stop for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a quiet moment in the city.

Whether you admire it from the outside or step inside to appreciate its grandeur, Saint Nicholas’ Church is definitely worth a visit. Plus, it’s in the heart of the city, surrounded by great spots to grab a coffee or take in Ghent’s lively atmosphere....