Sint-Pieter

Kerknet

The Saint Peter’s Church  in Oostkamp has a rich and extensive history that goes back to the 10th century, with the first written mention of the church in 961. This makes the church the oldest building of the municipality. The church has known many turbulent periods, including the destruction in 1128 during the Battle of Axspoele. After this fire, the church was rebuilt into a cruciform church in 1175, built of fieldstone.

During the religious wars in the late 16th century, the church was severely damaged and was even temporarily used to house the pastor and local residents. The restorations began in the 17th century, in which the church was restored to its original function.

Through the ages, numerous renovations and additions were done. The most recent and most striking addition was the relocation of the altar to a stage under the tower, during which some historical graves and inscriptions were discovered.

The church consists of many interesting works of art and valuable items, such as the 32 stained glass windows with depictions of Saints, and two large stained glass pieces referring to the victims of World War I and Our Lady of Lourdes. There are also important pieces like a 15th century statue of Mary, a wooden communion bench from 1718, old confessionals, and paintings by Jan Maes and Jan Garemijn.

In addition, the church houses two notable pipe organs: the Van Eynde Organ from 1717, which has been classified and restored, and the modern Pels organ from 2018 which is located in the high choir. The yearly organ concerts in August draw visitors to the church from far and wide.

On the church exterior, there are some walled in gravestones, and on the northside there is a lapidarium that reminds one of the old, now vacated cemetery. The original contours of the medieval cruciform church are still visible in the western facade, which gives a remarkable look on the architectural history of the building.

KIKIRPA: Photo-library online

Brochure Sint-Pieter Oostkamp