Saint Catherine
Vrijheid 153
2320 Hoogstraten
Church | 1525 | Gothic | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 May - 30 September
Mon -
Tue -
Wed 13.00 - 16.00
Thu 13.00 - 16.00
Fri 13.00 - 16.00
Sat 13.00 - 16.00
Sun 13.00 - 16.00
Guided tour
Religious offices
Description
The interesting flamboyant Gothic church in brick of Saint Catherine was designed by the architects Hendrik Lambrechts and Rombaut Keldermans between 1525 and 1550.
The original 102 metre high tower, which was blown up by the Germans in 1944, was replaced in 1958 by an imposing tower/porch which, at 105metres in height, dominates its surroundings.
Inside the church, seven of the original seventeen altars are intact and magnificent 16th century Gothic stalls, of which the high backs have been saved, are worth seeing. Noteworthy also are the pulpit, a communion pew, baptismal fonts and many other riches which all tell their own story. The chancel and transept are embellished with superb stained glass windows including “The Last Supper“(1535).
Of numerous tombs that of Antoine de Lalaing (1540) and his wife (1555) is one of the most beautiful examples of renaissance style in Belgium. This is attributed to Jean Mone the sculptor of Charles V. The recumbent figures are in alabaster and the sarcophagus in black marble.
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Remarkable elements
Stained glass window
The Last Supper stained glass window is one of the most beautiful stained glass windows in St. Catherine's Church.
It was given by the States of Holland to Antoon De Lalaing in 1535. It is a Renaissance stained glass window designed by none other than Pieter Coecke Van Aelst, master of Pieter Breughel the Elder. The light blue, the Bleu de Chartres, gives the impression of looking straight into the sky.
Choir stalls
The “Groot Gestoelte” choir stalls, built by Albrecht Gelmers between 1532 and 1554 in late Gothic style, form an oak church within the stone one. Each row rests on carvings of the twelve apostles and is adorned with proverbs and moralizing sayings. The misericords depict scenes of everyday life at the end of the Middle Ages, highlighting excesses such as drinking, impudence, and gluttony.
(photo: Albrecht Gelmers, the creator of the choir stalls)
Tapestries
Three tapestries hang in the south choir, protected behind glass from dust, humidity and sunlight. They depict the life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, patron saint of Countess Elisabeth. Others from the same series hang in the north choir. Created in the 16th century for Counts Antoon de Lalaing and Elisabeth van Culemborg, they were intended to adorn the newly built church of St. Catherine.
The Altar of the Holy Blood
In the chapel of the Holy Blood is the reliquary of the Holy Blood. In its centre is a small oval glass in front of a tiny piece of the blood painting. The real fabric is safe in the sacristy vault, in the dark and protected from moisture. The reliquary containing the painting is only displayed during Holy Week, as well as from the first to the second Sunday after Pentecost. At these times, it is also part of the processions.
Painting of Saint Joseph
In Saint Joseph’s chapel, beneath the stained glass window, there is a small painting from around 1500. Created by an anonymous Flemish Primitive, it shows seven scenes from Saint Joseph’s life, a rarely depicted subject. Modest in appearance yet precious, the work is listed among the masterpieces of the Flemish Community.
Mausoleum of Antoon of Lalaing
The mausoleum of Antoon de Lalaing and Elisabeth van Culemborg is a jewel of the funeral heritage. The Count is represented in full armour and as a knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, he is wearing the chain of the Golden Fleece. The Countess is wearing an ermine cape and a typical headdress. The lion and dog at their feet symbolize bravery and loyalty.
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