From the 13th century, the Sint-Niklaas Church was further built up and renovated in pieces.The grain right that Ghent had acquired for Flanders was the financial foundation for this.Her dedication to Nicholas of Myra, patron saint of boatmen, bakers and merchants (meerseniers) is symbolic.In the late Middle Ages, the side chapels were added and the originally flat choir enclosure was replaced by late Gothic wreathed chapels.The tower originally had a much taller spire, which contributed to the building's striking height.From the 16th century onwards, the history of the church has been determined by neglect, decay and mutilation.