01 January - 31 December
Mon 8.00 - 18.00
Tue 8.00 - 18.00
Wed 8.00 - 18.00
Thu 8.00 - 18.00
Fri 8.00 - 18.00
Sat 8.00 - 18.00
Sun 8.30 - 17.00
The church diagonally across the station of Knokke was inaugurated in 1959. The older church from the 13th – 14th century was completely demolished, the little tower not considered, because she had suffered greatly from the havoc of the Second World War. Moreover, the parish had outgrown with its eight thousand “souls”, the many tourists not included, by which an extension became necessary.
From that moment, the very active community was able to develop the church to a true meeting point with double function: worship and culture. In 1991, the tower (from 1642) was restored together with the old sundial and was crowned with a new cross and a gilded rooster.
The new church is a design by architect J. Ritzen from Antwerp and is a modern interpretation of the basilica from St. Paul outside the Walls in Rome. The intent is astonishingly logical: a spacious forecourt with to the left a closed gallery and the devotion chapel named the Fatima chapel, connected to the tower, and with to the right a gallery that leads to a catechism room. The choir is separated from the nave by a massive triumphal arch. The traditional interior was partially replaced by and added onto with modern art installations that fit in better with the contemporary spirituality. The eye-catcher in this is a baptistery with the ‘source of life’ that entices one into contemplation.
The classified Helewout pipe organ is located on the new little rood loft in the right transept. The Organ committee in 1997 could once again add the original pipe organ closet. In 1996 the big pipe organ, the Loncke organ, was played in, and is now used not only for rite, but also for the Art Academy. The modern technical installations allow the church to be used for concerts, receptions and occasional events. The easy removable and stackable chairs further promote this. The basements of the house of worship houses a social enterprise.
KIKIRPA : Photo-library online
Website Margarete parish
Bicycleroute ‘Laveren’ between churches and chapels in Knokke-Heist