Saint Denis
Kalkendorp 8
9270 Kalken (Laarne)
Church | XII-XIX | Romanesque | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 January - 31 December
Mon 9.00 - 17.00
Tue 9.00 - 17.00
Wed 9.00 - 17.00
Thu 9.00 - 17.00
Fri 9.00 - 17.00
Sat 9.00 - 17.00
Sun 9.00 - 17.00
Guided tour
+32 477 57 51 08
Religious offices
Description
This building’s origin goes back to a little 12th century Roman church. The church was expanded and rebuilt in several periods, adding both Gothic and Classicist elements. After the Iconoclastic Fury, for example, she had to be restored. The octagonal crossing tower in sandstone (ca. 1400) is the oldest part of this church.
Within the church we can find some beautiful works of art. The masterpiece is the 17th century painting “The adoration of the Magi” by the painter Gaspar De Crayer from Antwerp. It can be seen above the main altar.
Above the right side altar we can see an impressive 17th century triptych dedicated to the patron saint of the church, Saint Dyonisius (or Saint Denis). The middle panel represents “The beheading of Denis”. The left panel shows “The preaching of Denis” and the right panel “Denis carries his head to his grave”. At the bottom right we can see a depiction of priest Jan van der Sijpe, who presumably gave the triptych to the church as a gift. The left side altar is dedicated to Our Lady.
The northern transept also contains a side altar, dedicated to saint Anne, mother to the Virgin Mary. The painting above the altar (ca. 1611) represents “The education of Mary”. The side altar in the southern transept is dedicated to saint Sebastian. We can see him at the top, flanked by two archers.
The church possesses two richly adorned baroque confessionals (17th century). One of them shows a representation of Our Lady with Child and is decorated with little angels. The other one depicts Christ the Redeemer surrounded by angels and accompanied by the prophet Nathan, the saints Peter and Paul and King David.
Make sure to have a look at the impressive organ, that was made in 1712 by Louis de la Haye and was later enlarged by the famous organ builder P. Van Peteghem. And last but not least, you can also admire the stations of the Cross with wonderful icons. They were painted in 1986 by local artist Margriet Goossens.
Photos
Remarkable elements
Organ
This is a “de la Haye organ” and one of the richest and nicest in the area. It was built in 1712 and is now fully restored. It has 2 keyboards, a pedal keyboard and 29 registers. The adjoining balustrade of the organ loft stems from 1672.
Baptistery
The chapel was built in 1635 and has a small cellar. The access is through an elaborately carved door from the 17th century. The marble font also dates from the 17th century.
Stained glass windows
These windows mainly date from the 20th century except those in the chancel which are late 19th century. These depict, on the left, the marriage of Joseph and Mary, and right, Jesus as craftsman with his father. The windows in the baptistery depict, left, the baptism of Jesus Christ and, right, the baptism of Clodovech.
Pulpit
The pulpit dates from early 19th century. The stairs and overhang board are richly sculpted. The white alabaster panels depict the Arc of the Covenant, the triangle with the Hebrew name of God and a radiant sun which drives off evil and melts the masks.
Chancel
The high altar was crafted in the 19th century. The painting “Adoration of the Magi” is made by Gaspar de Crayer and dates from 1626. The statues on either sides of the altar depict, left, Saint Severin, patron saint of weavers and, right, Saint Ambrose, patron saint of beekeepers. These were made in the 18th century in the workplace of the Nijs family from Temse. On the side walls of the chancel appear grisaille paintings by P.N. Reysschoot from Ghent (18th century).
Confessional
The finely sculpted confessional in the chapel of Our Lady dates from 1676. The statues depict penitents, from left to right: the prophet Nathan, David with harp, Paul with book and Peter with key.Nearby
Circuit
Wetteren: Mysterious Religious
This cycle route will take you through a region that is steeped in mystery! In Wetteren, you may find out who stole the panel from the Righteous Judges. Or find it in the Bareldonk Chapel? You will also be treated to stories about witch trials, local mysteries and legends. In between, enjoy local produce such as the Lam Gods beer or the Toverheksje.
