The Romanesque church had become too small and started to deteriorate by the end of the 13th century. It was then decided to construct a beautiful gothic construction above the old Saint John's church. First, a gothic choir was built above the old choir. The new choir was consecrated in 1353. The chapels around the choir were finished by the beginning of the 15th century. The tower was built from 1462 until 1538. The construction of the aisles and the nave started in 1533. Finally, on June 7th 1569 the construction was finished and the new gothic cathedral of Saint Bavo was consecrated. In 1540 the old Saint Bavo abbey had been closed by order of emperor Charles V. Therefore, the canons of this abbey moved to the Saint John's church which was then renamed Saint Bavo Church. In 1561 the diocese of Ghent had been founded, which changed the status of the church to the status of cathedral (seat of the bishop of Gent).