Overview:

St. Nicholas' Church in Ghent is hailed as one of the finest examples of the Gothic style in Flanders. It was built between 1290 and 1340 and is one of the city's three "Great Churches". St. Nicholas is the only one of Ghent's churches that survived the iconoclastic fury unscathed during the 16th century Reformation. It contains masterpieces of Flemish masters, including the polyptych of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck. The church’s interior features ornate decoration, works of art by famous artists such as Peter Paul Rubens, Anthony van Dyck and the brothers art- Jan and Hubert van Eyck. St. Nicholas' is considered a celebration of Gothic art, and often referred to as "the Cathedral of Emergencies," as the city of Ghent holds many special moments here, such as the meetings at the end of WWI and WWII and the signing of the United Nations Charter in 1945. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belgium
Prominent Features:

1. Gothic Style Architecture: This 13th-century church is an example of Gothic architecture from the Middle Ages in Belgium. Its vaults and spires constitute a striking silhouette against the city skyline. 2. Renaissance Carvings: Notable carvings on the outside of the church include the Dikwijls God Lof figure, which was believed to be designed by Peter Paul Rubens, an artist of the Italian Renaissance period. 3. Tower Bells: The six bells in the tower are part of the national patrimony set aside for cultural monuments in Belgium. 4. Interior Decor: Inside St. Nicholas'church is a notable altarpiece that dates back to the 1500s. Other inside features include wall frescoes and stained-glass windows. 5. Music and Events: The church is regularly used as a venue for concerts, special services and events. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belgium.

History:

St. Nicholas' Church is a historic Roman Catholic Church located in Ghent, Belgium. Originally built in the 13th century, the church is one of the oldest in the city and an important example of the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. Its stunning stained glass windows, ornate frescoes and impressive spire make it one of the most recognizable churches in the city. The original 13th-century church was destroyed by fire in 1293 and rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 14th century. The nave is an austere, triple-aisled hall with ribbed vaults. The chancel features a donated neo-Gothic altarpiece painted by Jan Baptist Vrints. Throughout the centuries, the church has gone through various renovations, and in the 19th century, the organ was renovated and the choir was moved to the intrados of the triumphal arch. In 1935, the Mausoleum of the Counts of Flanders was installed in the church. In the 1980s, a massive renovation effort was underway. This renovation included the installation of a new organ and the restoration of its facades. The renovation was completed in 2000. Today, the church is an important site for both religious and cultural activities. The church hosts concerts and lectures and features art exhibitions. It is also a popular stop on the tourist circuit, attracting visitors from all over the world. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belgium with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. St. Nicholas' Church is located in the heart of the beautiful city of Ghent, Belgium. 2. The church is constructed in the Brabantine Gothic style and dates all the way back to the late 13th century. 3. The church is built in the shape of a cross with two curved towers and a neo-classical chapel. 4. The church is Ghent’s most renowned landmark, filled with a wealth of artwork, tapestries, and sculptures. 5. St. Nicholas' Church is the burial site of the prominent artist Ruben, whose memorial is found inside the church. 6. The Twelve Apostles painting on the pulpit of the church was done by Ruben. 7. The church interiors are filled with stained glass windows depicting the early life of Jesus. 8. There is a museum within the church which contains religious collections. 9. There are some contemporary music concerts held at the church, accompanied by a classical organ music. 10. It is a popular tourist attraction in the city and was a candidate for the 2003 World Heritage List. One of the historical monuments of Belgium, it tells the story of a bygone era