Saint John the Evangelist
Begijnhof 39
2320 Hoogstraten
Church | 1650 | Baroque | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
Closed for restoration work.
Guided tour
+32 3 340 19 55
Description
The beguinage of Hoogstraten probably originated around 1380 en prospered in the 17th century, having 160 beguines at its peak. The last beguine left in 1972.
A first chapel was built in 1381. During the 17th century this chapel was replaced by the current baroque church.
On the façade in baroque style we can see, among other things, a recess with braziers and a curved gable in which a wooden statue of the Mother Mary with Child was placed at the end of the 15th century. Above the door an engraved plaque with angel heads and a chronogram “eXtrVItVr Domus eXCeLsI (1687)” can be found. Within the recesses stand statues of Saint Peter and Saint Joan of Valois. Take a look at the cartouches with the inscriptions “Mijn huis is een huis des gebeds” (My house shall be called a house of prayer) (Matthew 21: 13) and “Wie vraagt zal verkrijgen” (For everyone who asks receives) (Matthew 7: 8).
The church has a lush interior painted in white. The floor, made of black and white marble, holds several tombstones dating back to the 17th, 18th and 19th century. The paintings in the choir (18th and 19th century) represent the Fathers and Our Lady of La Salette.
The church possesses numerous statues. Our Lady made of painted wood dates back to the 15th century, a wooden crucifix to the 16th century. There are also sculptures of Saint Begga (patroness of the beguines), John the Evangelist, Christ the Holy Savior and Our Lady Immaculata, Saint Liborius…
On the main altar stand statues of the Holy Trinity, Saint Joseph and Saint Anne. The painting represents The Last Supper (by Peter Sperwer, 1717). The side altars, made of marbled wood, are dedicated to Our Lady and Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The latter has a silvered wooden statue of Saint Catherine and a painting showing the Holy Virgins worshipping the Holy Trinity.
The oak communion rails date back to the 17th century. The pulpit was made in the 18th century by Theodoor Verhaegen. Most wooden confessionals also dated back to the 17th century.
A unique renovation project
The beguinage now consists of 36 cottages, a barn and a church. In the early nineties the beguinage had become a ruin after many years of vacancy. In 1992 several citizens of Hoogstraten founded the association without lucrative purpose Het Convent and decided to save the beguinage from ruin. Each of the 34 members would restore one cottage. This extraordinary approach resulted in a very successful restoration, respecting the original elements and contemporary condition of the buildings. The project won several prizes, nationally and internationally. In 1998 the beguinage of Hoogstraten, together with 12 other Flemish beguinages, was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
Sources:
Inventaris Bouwkundig Erfgoed (VIOE)
Toerisme Hoogstraten (www.toerisme.hoogstraten.be)
Het Convent vzw (www.hetconvent.be)
Photos
Media
Remarkable elements
Saint Begga
Daughter of Pepijn van Landen and Ida of Nivelles. Foundress of the women's convent in Andenne. The legend of her having started the beguine order is unfounded as she died in 694 and the first beguine lived aorund 1170. Bishop Jacob of Vitry used the word beguine as meaning "pious woman". According to H.Pirenne, the word beguine is derived from Begga, not because she founded the order, but because she was the patron saint of Nivelles.
Exhibition of art treasures
High altar: in baroque style, dating from 1771, by Claudius de Cock. The communion rail (1680-1725) and the 2 doors leading to the sacristy (1687) are an example of beautiful woodcarving. Pulpit: in Flemish baroque style, by Theodoor Verhaegen (1715). The bannister is in Louis XIV style. The confessionals have ornate door jambs, a medallion and a bust of David. At the back of the church are two showcases with artifacts, such as vestments, relic shrines, paintings, candle holders etc.
Organ
The present organ dates from 1833 and was made by J.J. Delhaye. The original organ from 1776 was by J.R. Tits. The wooden organ case (1770) by Alexander Nuten consists of panelling in Louis XVI style. The image of Saint Cecilia appears on a medallion and that of the Holy Virgin can be seen on the crowning between two ornate vases. The baniister is more in Louis XV style.
Stained glass windows
The four stained glass windows in the chancel date from 1681 and were made by J. Loos and donated by Count de Lalaing, pastor Antonius Wachmans, bishop Johannes de Beughem and prior Baltasar De Moor. There are also 5 stained glass windows in the north aisle and 5 in the south ailse. The light coloured windows date from 1912 and the dark coloured ones from 1850-1900. They were restored in 1950 by Fr. Crickx. The stained glass window in the façade dates from 1871 and carries a picture of Saint Cecilia and Saint Catherine.
Statues of saints and Stations of the Cross
Above the entrance door stands a wooden statue of the Mother Mary with crown (16th century). On the left of it is a statue of St. Peter and on the right is a statue of Saint Joanna of Valois (1860).In the chancel are four statues from the 18th century, painted white and depicting Saint Joseph, Saint Anna, Saint Begga and Saint John the Evangelist. Next to the altar in the left aisle stands the polychrome statue of the Holy Mary of the Heart (1877), made by the Antwerp sculpter L. De Vriend. In the aisles are also polychrome statues of saints dating from the 18th and 19th century. The 14 Stations of the Cross (multicolour plaster) were consecrated on 24 July 1864 by E.P. Hypolytus.
Schilderijen
We see faux niches in the chancel, painted by Jan van Reesbroeck in 1680-1690, depicting the four Church Fathers of the West, Saint Augustine, Saint Ambrose, Saint Gregory the Great and Saint Hieronymus. High altar: painting of the Last Supper (1717) by Peter Sperwer, restored in 1869 by H. Cafmer and in 1933 by Beraard Janssens. On the plaque a pheasant was uncovered, a curious image. Side altar: painting of the Holy Trinity (1685) by Lodewijk Maes. Next to the side altars are paintings of the Holy Mary of Salette (1853) by B. Cloet and of Saint Begga (1600-1700).
