HERITAGE AND TOURISM
Saint Cosmas and Damian
Montée de l'Eglise 6b
L-9712 Clervaux
Church | XX | Neoromanesque | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 January - 31 December
Mon 9.00 - 18.30
Tue 9.00 - 18.30
Wed 9.00 - 18.30
Thu 9.00 - 18.30
Fri 9.00 - 18.30
Sat 9.00 - 18.30
Sun 9.00 - 18.30
Description
Since 1803, Clervaux has been the seat of both a deanery (Dekanat) and a parish. Before that, the locality belonged to Munshausen. The first parish church was situated on the present-day market place next to the Grand-rue. From 1910-1912, it was replaced by the current building in the Neo-Romanesque style according to the plans of Johannes Franziskus Klomp, who also designed the Abbey of Saint Maurice.
The church is built of local shale stone that harmonises perfectly with the surrounding countryside. The veneration of the martyrs Cosmas and Damian probably reflects the influence of the Diocese of Liège, to which Clervaux belonged before the French Revolution. Around 1700, Count Albert of Lannoy received the relics of these saints from Rome. They are still preserved in the church. The tympanum mosaics above the main portal refer to these patron saints.
The church is built of local shale stone that harmonises perfectly with the surrounding countryside. The veneration of the martyrs Cosmas and Damian probably reflects the influence of the Diocese of Liège, to which Clervaux belonged before the French Revolution. Around 1700, Count Albert of Lannoy received the relics of these saints from Rome. They are still preserved in the church. The tympanum mosaics above the main portal refer to these patron saints.
Photos
Remarkable elements
Main altar
This is a work of Lambert Piedboeuf who created all the sculptures in the church. The reliefs represent the Epiphany, Jesus in the Temple, Abraham’s sacrifice and that of Melchisedek.
Paintings
The painting on the left portrays the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is attributed to Abraham Gilson d’Orval. The one on the right portrays Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac painted by Jean-Pierre Sauvage.
The Pietà
The Virgin is bent over her dead son who has just been taken down from the cross. Normally, the Mother holds Christ on her knees.
Apse mosaic
This depicts Christ in majesty seated on the clouds surrounded by the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist. The representation is inspired by early Christian art.
Stained glass windows
They date back to the reconstruction period after the Second World War. They are the work of Gust Zanter that represent many saints and the symbols associated with their veneration.
