Sint-Martinus
Dorp 1
9290 Berlare
Church | XIII - XX | Gothic, Neogothic | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 January - 31 December
Mon 9.30 - 16.30
Tue 9.30 - 16.30
Wed 9.30 - 16.30
Thu 9.30 - 16.30
Fri 9.30 - 16.30
Sat 9.30 - 16.30
Sun 9.30 - 16.30
Religious offices
Description
Of the first period, the Gothic church, only the tower and first bay of the side aisles remain.
Between 1719 and 1724, the church was thoroughly renovated with a central nave in a simple baroque style.
In 1910, a partially new church was built around the existing church. The old medieval tower was preserved, as well as the central nave from 1719. Around these, the new side aisles, the choir, and the sacristy were built. The entrance gate from 1754 was taken down, as well as the old churchyard walls that used to form a beautiful whole with the town square. On what is left of it, one can still find 19 recuperated memorial crosses.
The tower and the first bay of the side aisles are protected monuments. The Van Peteghem organ is also a protected monument.
Further noteworthy sights are the churchwardens’ bench from the 18th century, two confessionals from the same period, the painting ‘The Ascension of Christ’ by Jean Baptiste Pierre Coclers from the same century, and ‘The Holy Lance’ by the Flemish School, from the 17th century, a mirror image of the Rubens’ painting the Crucifixion.
The pulpit with four wooden statues in oak is also worth mentioning. And lastly, one can see the three altars and the beautiful stained glass windows.
KIKIRPA: Photo-library on line
Photos
Remarkable elements
Ascension of Christ
Painting by Jean Baptiste Pierre Coclers (Maastricht 14/10/1696-Liège 23/5/1772). This painter is considered the main representative of the Maastricht-Liège painting family Coclers. He is among the most important 18th-century Baroque painters in the principality of Liège.
The Lance Stitch
Painting of the Flemish school from the 17th century in the right transept, a mirror image of Rubens' crucifixion and painted after an engraving.
Van Petegem organ
Organ in Flemish rococo style. The organ case is attributed to Jan-Frans Allaert (1703-1778).
Saint Martin
Statue from the 18th century. Hanging from the pillar is a wooden bust of the bishop with mitre, bishop's cross and cope, representing Martin of Tours.
Pulpit
End of 18th century. The body is decorated with grissailles representing the four evangelists with their symbols. The oak statues under the pulpit originally belonged to a confessional. They are statues of Saint Peter with the cock, Mary Magdalene, John the Baptist and Eve or Mary of Egypt.
