Saint Nicholas’ Church

Whether for its age or its striking blue-grey Tournai stone, Saint Nicholas’ Church instantly catches your eye. Built in the 13th century, it’s a prime example of Scheldt Gothic—a Romanesque-Gothic blend typical of the old County of Flanders. Some of its defining features include its small corner towers, which add structural stability, and its imposing central bell tower, allowing natural light to flood the interior. The church was particularly popular among guilds of craftsmen, merchants, and boatmen, many of whom had their own chapels inside. However, the building suffered numerous misfortunes over time, even being used as stables during the French Revolution. As you can imagine, it took major restoration work to return the church to its current grandeur. Step inside and you’ll find one of its greatest treasures: the magnificent organ built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, the legendary French organ maker. Best of all, visiting Saint Nicholas’ Church is completely free.