Church of Sint-Niklaas in Veurne - Discover this open and welcoming religious building

Church | XIII | Gothic | Roman Catholic Church

Map

Opening hours

21 March - 20 September
Mon 9.00 - 18.00
Tue 9.00 - 18.00
Wed 9.00 - 18.00
Thu 9.00 - 18.00
Fri 9.00 - 18.00
Sat 9.00 - 18.00
Sun 9.00 - 18.00

21 September - 20 March
Mon 9.00 - 16.30
Tue 9.00 - 16.30
Wed 9.00 - 16.30
Thu 9.00 - 16.30
Fri 9.00 - 16.30
Sat 9.00 - 16.30
Sun 9.00 - 16.30

Religious offices

Weekend celebrations alternate between Saturday and Sunday.

Description

From 1120, when it was first mentioned, until the French Revolution, this church was entrusted to the care of the Norbertine abbey of Veurne. In 1494 the original romanesque building was replaced by a hallchurch with 3 naves. The tower remained intact. In 1775 two side-chancels were added.

The church is an integral part of the classified historic town centre. Some houses are built leaning unto the outside walls of the aisles. These walls show a colourful display of yellow and red brick, iron sandstone, stone from Tournai and limestone. The west portal contains a representation of the “Twenty-four elders of the Apocalypse” and a fading image of “Christ flanked by the Holy Mary and Saint John”.

The bell “little bomb” is the only one remaining from a carillon stolen during the French Revolution. It dates from 1379 and is one of the oldest in Flanders.

Inside the church is a triptych (1534) from Jan Van Amstel. Other art treasures are the 17th century paintings and tombs. A special treasure is the “Cross of the Sodality” (1639) donated by canon Jacob Clou to the brotherhood of lay men he founded and which organises the penitential procession which still takes to the streets every last Saturday in July. In a lively and folksy way it enacts the old and New Testament.

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Remarkable elements

Crucifixion of Christ - 1534

The painting is attributed to Jan van Amstel (Amsterdam, around 1500 – Antwerp, around 1540), also called “Jan the Dutchman” or “Jean de Hollande”. His name is brought in connection with the “Braunschweiger Monogrammist”, a well-known painter. In 1528 he appears as “free master” in the register of the Antwerp guild of Saint Lucas. He is also said to paint pub and brother scenes. This is the most important painting in this church and as such was examined by local and international experts and was the subject of several publications.

Statue of Saint Nicolas (under the pulpit) – 1837

The statue was made by Philippe-Joseph Parmentier (Feluy 1784 – Ghent 1851) He started his training with his father and continued to study at the Academy in Paris. He travelled to Italy to study the masters of antiquity. He spent most of his live in Ghent where he was a teacher at the Academy of Arts. He produced many religious and profane paintings.

Saint Sebastian, pierced by arrows (1641-1660)

The artist, Vigor Boucquet (Veurne 1618-1677) was the son of the painter Marcus Boucquet (1580-1648) and is considered the most important painter in Veurne in the 17th century. The painting was commissioned by the St. Sebastian guild of archers, to be placed on the St. Sebastian altar. In the Louvre in Paris hangs his profane painting “Porte-étendard” or “The Flag Bearer” (1664). His tomb used to be in this church.

Calvary (1501-1600)

Painting by Willem de Wale, is was made as penance for insubordination against the authorities.

Recess (1637-1935)

The recess was built to house the Cross of Sodality of the crucified Saviour. Nowadays it is used to exhibit different pieces from the church’s collection. Information on the pieces exhibited is displayed next to the recess.