Open Churches Days at
Saint Christopher
Place Gendebien 9/1
6120 Marbaix-la-Tour (Ham-sur-Heure-Nalinnes)
Church | 1894 | Neogothic | Catholic Church
Stained glass windows in celebration; lecture
Conference
6 June 2026 : 18.30 - 20.00Mr Christiaens Samuel will speak about the richness of this luminous art form, the history of stained glass and the specific features of the panels on display. He will be accompanied by Ms Vinciane Groessens, CIPAR's communications manager and coordinator of the exhibition panels project, who will shed light on the design and implementation of this initiative. This event will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about glass heritage and discover the behind-the-scenes story of this exhibition dedicated to stained glass.
Price
FreeContact
Marique Etienne+32 495 58 49 33
Other events at Saint Christopher
Organ and trumpet concert
5 June 2026 : 18.30 - 21.30To kick off the Open Churches weekend, we are offering a concert performed by talented musicians Mr Henri Zampi, organist, and Mr Mathieu Van Doren, trumpeter. You will be able to appreciate the rich sound and subtle harmony between the organ and the trumpet.
This musical interlude will be followed by a reception to open the festivities in a convivial spirit.
Festive stained glass windows
6 June 2026 : 10.00 - 20.00The exhibition begins by lifting the veil on these famous historic and colourful walls that illuminate our religious buildings — yes, the ones that make us look up and open our eyes wide! It then takes you on a journey through time to discover the art of stained glass: its manufacturing secrets, styles, fashions... and even its small revolutions over the centuries. And because some periods shine brighter than others (no pun intended), pride of place is given to the 19th and 20th centuries, the true golden ages of stained glass in Wallonia. Get ready to see the light... in all its colours!
Discovering the organ
6 June 2026 : 16.00 - 17.30On the occasion of a special event, the church is opening the doors to its musical treasure: the organ of Saint-Christophe Church. Usually perched high up and admired from afar, this majestic instrument can now be seen up close. Visitors will have the opportunity to approach the organ, discover its details, the richness of its pipes, the finesse of its mechanics and the secrets of how it works. This special encounter will be an opportunity to better understand how sound is created, how the registers combine and how the organist brings this impressive instrument to life. A true immersion in the heart of musical and architectural heritage, for young and old alike. A rare discovery, combining history, expertise and emotion, not to be missed.
7 June 2026 : 09.00 - 15.00
Discover the historic highlights of Marbaix-la-Tour with a guidebook provided to participants. A cultural and heritage walk accessible to all.
More about this church
Description
Built mainly in the 19th century, during a period of renewal of parish churches in Wallonia, the building features a sober and harmonious Neoclassical style.
Its brick and stone façade, punctuated by regular openings, is crowned by a slender bell tower that dominates the village landscape and remains visible from a distance, serving as a true landmark.
Inside, the church offers an atmosphere that is both bright and soothing. Its classical layout, with a main nave flanked by aisles, invites contemplation.
The furnishings—altars, statues, and stained-glass windows—reflect the taste of the period in which it was built whilst illustrating the continuity of parish life. Certain older elements hint at the presence of an earlier place of worship, highlighting the long-standing religious roots of this site.
Dedicated to Saint Christopher, patron saint of travellers, the church also reflects the importance of spiritual traditions in the region.
Still active today, it hosts the key moments in the lives of the local people and serves as a gathering place during local festivals and events.
Through its architectural simplicity, its history and its social role, the Church of Saint-Christophe in Marbaix-la-Tour fully embodies the spirit of the Open Churches event: offering everyone the chance to discover a living heritage that is accessible and rich in history.
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