Saint Peter
Markt
2300 Turnhout
Collegiate Church | XV-XVIII | Gothic | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 January - 31 December
Mon -
Tue 8.30 - 17.00
Wed 8.30 - 17.00
Thu 8.30 - 17.00
Fri 8.30 - 17.00
Sat 8.30 - 17.00
Sun 8.30 - 17.00
Guided tour
Visit Turnhout : +32 14 44 33 55
Religious offices
Sunday and church holidays : 10 am
Description
Throughout its history, St. Peter’s Church has undergone many major renovations, yet it still radiates a unified sense of austerity and dignity inside and out. The oldest part is the base of the western tower, dating from the late 13th century. In 1398, the church became a collegiate church, serving as the seat of a chapter of 12, later 13, canons until the French Revolution.
The current Gothic ambulatory with its five apse chapels and the transept were built in the mid 15th century. The lantern tower was added in the 17th century, following designs by Geerits Lieffmans, and houses the Angelus or chapter bell that once called residents to prayer.
The church’s present appearance is largely the result of an extensive rebuilding campaign led by architect J. P. van Baurscheit in the early 18th century, during which the nave and choir were raised and the aisles added.
Church decorations were not merely ornamental but served as visual expressions of the gospel in a time when most people could not read. Many original sculptures were destroyed during the iconoclasm of August 23, 1566, so most artworks now present date from after that period. Notable pieces include the high altar, a 16th century triptych in the apse chapel, the wooden pulpit, and the splendid 17th century pipe organ by the renowned Ghent organ builder Jean Le Royer.
Today, the carefully maintained collegiate church of Saint Peter in Turnhout stands as an oasis of serenity in the heart of the town, a place whose atmosphere and beauty inspire quiet reflection.
KIKIRPA : Photo-library online
Flemish Masters in Situ
Visit Turnhout : info guided visits
Gaudioso organises concert masses, aperitif concerts and summer concerts in the church.
Photos
Media
Remarkable elements
Main Altar
The main altar by W. Pompe features two statue groups: below, St. Peter among sheep in a pasture; above, within a shell motif, St. Barbara stands between angels under a starry sky before the Creator. Above both groups appears the eye of God within a triangle. Near the vault above the altar is the image of the Holy Spirit—a dove surrounded by rays—revealed during the latest restoration.
Choir and stalls
The choir in which the stalls are located and where the canons recited the services, was separated from the church vessel by a rood chamber. This one was removed in 1780. The stalls date from 1713.
Triptych of Saint Apollonia
The Gothic ambulatory with 5 radiant chapels features several statues and works of art. In the third chapel behind the altar, enclosed by a wrought iron gate of Pompe, is the 16th century triptych: the martyrdom of Saint Apollonia (middle and left panels) and other saints (right panel). In front of the painting is a polychrome Ecce Homo from the late 15th-early 16th century: Christ on the cold stone.
Pulpit
The central nave features a wooden pulpit by Turnhout sculptor Peeters Divoort (1862), inspired by the truth chair of Saint Andrew’s in Antwerp. It depicts Jesus calling Peter and Andrew to become fishers of men. A boat filled with fish and nets rests at the base of a rock symbolizing Peter. Above, a canopy is crowned by the Holy Spirit inspiring the preacher, with angels sounding the Good News.
Organ
Behind, on the rood pole, are the wonderful organ of the famous Ghent organ builder Jean Le Royer. The sculptures in the buffet are by Antwerp sculptor Michel Catelon.
During the summer months, organ concerts are regularly organised on the initiative of the non-profit organisation Octave, attracting Belgian and foreign listeners.
Works of art in the side aisles
See also: the confessionals of J.P. van Baurscheit; the paintings of St. Clare and St. Francis by David Teniers; the enclosure of the Chapel of the Dead at the Field of Honour (18th century); the altar of Our Lady and that of the Blessed Sacrament in 1771; the wonderful stained glass windows.
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