Saint Peter

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The church of Saint Peter was probably built around 700 A.D. as a chapel containing the remains of St. Berlinda who died around 690 A.D. in Meerbeke. Berlindis was disinherited by her leprous father after he spotted her wiping his beaker before using it for herself. Her father left all his possessions to the abbey of Nivelles. Berlindis entered the convent in Moorsel but returned to Meerbeke together with other nuns to help the sick and needy. She is the patron saint of farmers, called on to cure pest and diseases in cattle.

The original chapel of Saint Peter was erected by cound Odelard, the father of Berlinda. Destroyed by the Vikings, the chapel was rebuilt around 1000 A.D. as a romanesque church. After a large fire the nave was re-erected in 1642. In 1750 a rococo facade in stone from Leiden was added and now determines the view of the church as seen from the main road. Noteworthy is the octagonal lantern-shaped bell tower. The church, together with the walled churchyard and the square with trees and war monument is now a classified monument.

The beautiful 18th century interior reflects the wealth obtained from the pilgrimages to the shrine of St. Berlinda. The interior contains 5 large paintings from the Flemish School (1750) depicting scenes in the life of Berlinda. There are also 2 grisailles (1840) of the saint, made by Jan Jozef de Loose (1840), an altar piece “Peter and John helping a cripple outside the temple” by Jan De Landtsheer, (first half of the 19th century), a marble font in the octagonal baptistery next to the chancel, baroque side altars... De sculptured pulpit depicts the stable in Bethlehem (Pieter Valckx - 1773).

The church and its surrounding area is a familiar site, recognizable as the finish of the Tour of Flanders during the period 1973-2011.

KIKIRPA : Online Photo-library

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