Sint-Sulpitius
Grote Markt
3290 Diest
Church | 1321-1534 | Gothic | Catholic Church
Map
Opening hours
15 May - 15 September
Mon -
Tue 14.00 - 17.00
Wed 14.00 - 17.00
Thu 14.00 - 17.00
Fri 14.00 - 17.00
Sat 14.00 - 17.00
Sun 14.00 - 17.00
Religious offices
Description
In the midst of the market stands the noteworthy collegiate church of Sint Sulpitius, one of the finest examples of Brabant Gothic (Demer Gothic). It was built mainly in 1417-1534 using the characteristic reddish brown brick. The choir dates from 1320. The small tower, known as "mostaardpot" (mustard pot), has a carillon with 43 bells.
The church houses interesting works of art including superb carvings on the pulpit, altars and confessionals. In the choir can be seen magnificent Late-Gothic choir stalls dated 1491 and the tomb of Philip of Orange-Nassau, who died in 1618; the font of St Jan Berchmann in the right side aisle and the treasure in a room adjoining the choir also warrant close examination. The main altar (18th C.) is by Michael van der Vorst; before it on the right is a work of the Antwerp school "Worship of the Kings".
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Remarkable elements
Origin
The Saint Sulpitius’ church was named after Saint Sulpice, bishop of Bourges in the 7th century. He has obviously never been in this area, but his apprentice, Saint Remaclius, has Christianised this region. Saint Remaclius built a chapel in the 7th century and named it after Saint Sulpitius. Even when a Romanesque chapel and later a Gothic church replaced the first chapel, the original name remained. The French architect Pierre de Savoye designed the current church that was built between 1321 and 1536. This church houses a particularly rich treasury and a well-documented museum for religious art.Pulpit
Kerrickx from Antwerp made the pulpit in the 17th century. It is a typical ‘floating’ pulpit, richly decorated with, among others, scenes from the life of Christ. Under the tub are life-size statues of Saint Augustine and Saint Norbert, respectively regulator and founder of the Norbertine order that had the bestowal law of this church.Sedes sapientiae
There is a Romanesque Sedes Sapientiae from the twelfth century in the left transept. Our Lady of Miracles used to be the final destination of many pilgrimages. Scherpenheuvel later took this role.Choir stalls
There are beautiful choir stalls dating back to 1493 in the presbytery. They were made in the workshop of Jan Borreman, a sculptor from Brussels. Especially the 24 statues underneath the seats stir the imagination. They offer a mocking kaleidoscope of the complete late-medieval society.Nearby
Heilige Johannes de Doper en O-L-V ten Hemel opgenomen
3271 Averbode (Scherpenheuvel-Zichem)
7km
Closed
