Saint-Michel
Place des Combattants
6280 Gerpinnes
Church | X-XVIII | Gothic | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 April - 31 October
Mon 9.00 - 18.00
Tue 9.00 - 18.00
Wed 9.00 - 18.00
Thu 9.00 - 18.00
Fri 9.00 - 18.00
Sat 9.00 - 18.00
Sun 9.00 - 18.00
01 November - 31 March
Mon 9.00 - 17.00
Tue 9.00 - 17.00
Wed 9.00 - 17.00
Thu 9.00 - 17.00
Fri 9.00 - 17.00
Sat 9.00 - 17.00
Sun 9.00 - 17.00
Religious offices
Tuesday - Friday : 6 pm
Saturday : 5.30 pm
Sunday : 10.30 am
Description
Here is a church whose history starts in the 10th century and where traces of the successive styles of Romanesque, gothic, classical, and neo-gothic are visible. Noteworthy, is the strong Romanesque tower, a true castle keep.
The church is also well known for the tomb and shrine of Sainte-Rolende. It is said that she was the daughter of Didier, king of Lombardy hoe was exiled to the north of Gaul by Charlemagne. She wanted to dedicate herself to god and she died in Gerpinnes in 774. After her death, miraculous healings were acknowledged at her invocation.
Pilgrimages followed. Traditionally on Easter Monday a 35 km walk takes place when the relics of Sainte- Rolende are carried through the ancient parish along an unchangeable route. It leaves at 3am and returns at 8pm. Well-known groups from l’Entre Sambre and Meuse follow the walk as well. It is a day of great popular fervour and devotion.
Photos
Media
Remarkable elements
Baptismal font from the 12th century
Organ
Shrine of Saint Rolende
Stained-glass windows
Tombstone
