Saint Hadelin

The nave

The nave, about 20 meters long, has five bays divided by four square pillars without bases, topped by simple arch supports. The main aisle is twice the height and width of the side aisles. Light enters through two rows of plain round arched windows. The nave and transept crossing have plank attics typical of early Romanesque style. At the choir front stands a simple 13th century stall.

The west crypt

The ribs of the vault are supported by 4 pillars which, in 1595, replaced 4 octagonal marble columns of Ottoman style, one of which can still be admired on the floor. On the eastern wall there is an opening of a deep niche whose dimensions correspond exactly to those of the shrine of Saint Hadelin. The rough finish of the structure at the level of the towers is striking. This is the oldest part of the monument and the northern wall is 1.80 m thick.

The tower

It includes part of the back choir, a balcony, and a third landing, forming what was originally a defensive tower, as shown by its many loopholes. The back choir now serves as a baptistery, with side doors that do not lead to the turrets. The large arch was added in 1868. Above the back choir is a balcony once dedicated to St. Michael, protector against evil; this arch did not exist at first.

The gravestones

The building contains several tombstones, including a 15th century one set into the wall showing Louis de Beaufort in full armor with his wife Marie de Boulant. Another, set in the floor, is a large black Dinant marble stone supported by four caryatids. It shows Jesus on the Cross, the Virgin touching the deceased Louis de Beaufort on the right, and St. John assisting Marie de Cottereau on the left.

The Eastern Crypt

Half buried, it is vaulted with ribs and divided into 3 naves by 4 pilasters and half columns in the walls. It gets light through the loopholes on the level of the cemetery. On the east side there is a rather simple altar. It is here that the pilgrims of the 11th century came to repent.

Statue of Saint Hadelin (15th century)

Saint Hadelin, born in Aquitaine and disciple of Saint Eloi, arrived in Celles in 669 as a missionary monk and founded a monastery. After his death in 690, his body was placed in a shrine in the church’s western crypt. Miracles soon made Celles a pilgrimage site. Nearly 1,000 years ago, his followers built the church we know today. In 1337, the monks fled to Visé due to conflicts with the Lords of Celles.

Download the plan of the remarkable elements