The church Saint Nicolas's Day (Dutch: Sint-Niklaaskerk ) is one of oldest and the most imposing buildings of the town of Ghent in Belgium. Started at the beginning of the 13th century to replace an old Romance church, construction lasted all the century in the particular architectural style Gothic tournaisien. The local characteristics were:

• the use of blue stones of Turned
• imposing Tour on the level of the transept crossing
• Petites towers to the corners of the building for reasons of stability.

Built in the old center of Ghent near the market with the cereals ( Korenmarkt ), the church was popular near the commercial corporations of the city. Besides the corporations had their own vaults attached to the building to 14th and 15th centuries. The central tower, which was built partly by the town of Ghent was used as observation post and sheltered the bells of the city before the construction of the Beffroi of Ghent. One of the showpieces of the church is its organ which was manufactured by famous the organ builder French Aristide Cavaillé-coll.

Restoration

Construction worsened with the courses of the centuries until endangering its stability. One improved stability by walling the windows, by cementing the cracks and at the 18th century of the houses and the stores were built against the decrepit frontages… An awakening of the interest of the building was born about 1840 and one plan of restoration was launched. The adjacent houses were demolished and the building was restored. The building also knew some damage during the two world wars and it is in restoration since 1960.

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