Saint Giles Church on the Kostelní Square in the centre of Nymburk was built probably in the 13th century, as well as the surrounding town. However, there are no preserved sources confirming its origins. The church is a three nave basilica with a long chancel and a tower in the front. There was also a second tower, but now there are only its remains.
The temple is an example of brick Gothic architecture, except of a few parts which are made from sandstone. Its thin tower reaches 66 metres and together with mediaeval ramparts creates a characteristic silhouette of the town. The dean's church was initially dedicated to Saint Nicholas, during the Thirty Years' War the dedication changed to Saint Giles. The church is a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
The church has many interesting and valuable things inside. The most valuable one is a plastic of the first patron St. Nicholas, made of stone. The plastic probably came from the workshop of a sculptor Peter Parler (the 14th century) but it might be even older than that. Most of church's equipment is in the Baroque style. The main altar in the front is from 1704.
References:The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. The name means 'castle of the counts' in Dutch. Arnulf I (918–965), Count of Flanders, was the first to fortify this place, building a medieval bastion on this high sand dune, naturally protected by the river Leie and its marshy banks. This bastion consisted of a central wooden building and several surrounding buildings, also in wood.
In the early 11th century, the wooden building was replaced by a stone residence, consisting of three large halls that made up three storeys, connected by a stone stairwell. The monumental stone staircase, the light openings, the fireplaces built into the walls and the latrines were signs of considerable luxury and comfort in those days. There was probably also a tower.