Saint Denis
Kalkendorp 8
9270 Kalken (Laarne)
Church | XII-XIX | Romanesque | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
01 January - 31 December
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
Guided tour
+32 477 57 51 08
Religious offices
Description
This church originates from a small 12th century Romanesque building. Over time it was expanded and rebuilt, incorporating Gothic and Classicist elements. After the Iconoclastic Fury it required restoration.
The octagonal sandstone crossing tower (ca. 1400) is its oldest part. Inside are several notable artworks.
Above the main altar hangs the 17th century masterpiece Adoration of the Magi by Antwerp painter Gaspar De Crayer. The right side altar holds an impressive 17th century triptych dedicated to Saint Denis: the central panel shows his beheading, the left his preaching, the right the saint carrying his head. Priest Jan van der Sijpe, likely donor, appears at the bottom right.
The left side altar is dedicated to Our Lady. In the northern transept stands an altar to Saint Anne, with a ca. 1611 painting of The Education of Mary. The southern transept altar is dedicated to Saint Sebastian, depicted flanked by two archers.
The church also contains two richly decorated 17th century baroque confessionals: one with Our Lady and Child surrounded by angels, the other with Christ the Redeemer, accompanied by the prophet Nathan, Saints Peter and Paul, and King David.
The impressive organ was built in 1712 by Louis de la Haye and later enlarged by P. Van Peteghem. Finally, the stations of the Cross, painted in 1986 by local artist Margriet Goossens, are well worth admiring.
Photos
Remarkable elements
Organ
This is a “de la Haye organ” and one of the richest and nicest in the area. It was built in 1712 and is now fully restored. It has 2 keyboards, a pedal keyboard and 29 registers. The adjoining balustrade of the organ loft stems from 1672.
Baptistery
The chapel was built in 1635 and has a small cellar. The access is through an elaborately carved door from the 17th century. The marble font also dates from the 17th century.
Stained glass windows
These windows mainly date from the 20th century except those in the chancel which are late 19th century. These depict, on the left, the marriage of Joseph and Mary, and right, Jesus as craftsman with his father. The windows in the baptistery depict, left, the baptism of Jesus Christ and, right, the baptism of Clodovech.
Pulpit
The pulpit dates from early 19th century. The stairs and overhang board are richly sculpted. The white alabaster panels depict the Arc of the Covenant, the triangle with the Hebrew name of God and a radiant sun which drives off evil and melts the masks.
Chancel
The high altar was crafted in the 19th century. The painting “Adoration of the Magi” is made by Gaspar de Crayer and dates from 1626. The statues on either sides of the altar depict, left, Saint Severin, patron saint of weavers and, right, Saint Ambrose, patron saint of beekeepers. These were made in the 18th century in the workplace of the Nijs family from Temse. On the side walls of the chancel appear grisaille paintings by P.N. Reysschoot from Ghent (18th century).
Confessional
The finely sculpted confessional in the chapel of Our Lady dates from 1676. The statues depict penitents, from left to right: the prophet Nathan, David with harp, Paul with book and Peter with key.Nearby
Circuit
Wetteren: Mysterious Religious
This cycle route will take you through a region that is steeped in mystery! In Wetteren, you may find out who stole the panel from the Righteous Judges. Or find it in the Bareldonk Chapel? You will also be treated to stories about witch trials, local mysteries and legends. In between, enjoy local produce such as the Lam Gods beer or the Toverheksje.
