Saint Peter in Chains

Building

Recognized as a protected monument in 1996, the Sint-Pietersbanden church is a fine neo-Gothic example that blends with the ca. 1500 Kempen Gothic tower. Its architecture and decoration form a harmonious whole. Designed by Hyacinth Martens and Vincent Lenertz and built by August Leurs (1900–1902), the church was inaugurated in 1902, with interior decoration continuing for twelve more years.

Chancel

Architect Lenertz created an unusually unified church interior by pursuing a total concept in which every element contributed to a harmonious, devotional atmosphere. He preserved fourteenth century forms in every detail and collaborated with fellow members of the neo Gothic St. Luke’s guild for silverware, wall decoration, and stained glass, bringing renowned artists to Lommel.

Pulpit

Lenertz himself made the detailed design drawings of the church furniture that were made by the studio of Paul Roemaet from Leuven (3 altarpieces, 4 confessionals, a pulpit, a communion bench and choir stalls). The fact that the altarpiece's altarpiece was lent out for several months on the occasion of an exhibition on the neo-Gothic period in Leuven (1989) is proof of the high quality of the sculpture by experts.

Stained-glass windows: northern transept: saints of the diocese of Liège

Lenertz also supervised the projects for the stained glass windows and the murals. Ghent top glass artist Gust Ladon was asked by him to design the 32 stained-glass windows. Both in terms of symbolism, shade and design, the stained-glass windows are all works of art of high quality. The Lommel's glass patrimony is also unique because all windows were designed and executed by the same glassmaker.

Wall painting: southern transept: ascension, Petrus designation, betrayal of Petrus

Lenertz commissioned Liège artist Adolphe Tassin, a leading expert, to create a full interior of vivid colours, life size figures and remarkable angels. Painted in 1913 1914 after the stained glass windows were installed, the murals were designed to harmonize with the light. Most were painted over in 1950 and again in 1976 1977 under white crepilla. After extensive research, they were uncovered and restored in 2014 2015.

Organ

In 1843-1844 the organ was built by the then unknown organ builder Arnold Clerinx (1816-1898). Until then Clerinx had only built two organs, namely in Liège and Kortessem, but because both organs were lost, the Lommel organ can be considered as the oldest still existing realisation of Clerinx. This organ is not only historically valuable because of its respectable age, but also the organ case is a rare example of a case in a strict neo-classical style.

Download the plan of the remarkable elements