Architecture and art in the Saint Gertrude Church

De Sint-Gertrudis Church is an oriented Late Gothic cruciform church dating back to the mid-15th century. Architecturally, it is a very beautiful church containing great wealth and religious heritage. Over the past 4 years, the church has been completely restored, giving it an extraordinary appearance. De Sint-Gertrudis Church is an oriented Late Gothic cruciform church dating back to the mid-15th century. On March 2, 1460, the choir stalls were installed. The tower dates from 1520 and the nave was remodeled around 1750 as a result of the construction of the side aisles (1756). During the 16th and 17th centuries, the church experienced an enormous boom as a result of the large influx of pilgrims to Gertrude. This also explains the need for the expansion of the side aisles in 1756. The building itself is characterized, among other things, by striking color effects through the alternating and irregular use of brown ironstone, white sandstone, and red brick. This is a characteristic feature of the Gothic churches of the Hageland and the Southern Campine. The interior includes a main altar from 1778 with various statues, a gilded halo, and precious liturgical objects. The 2 portico altars of the side aisles date from 1651-1700. One of them is dedicated to Saint Norbert and includes a painting by Jan Karel Carpentero. The other is dedicated to Mary with a depiction of the Annunciation of the Archangel to Mary. A monumental pulpit from 1806, an oak balustrade by Antoon van Genechten (1815) under the organ, 2 beautiful confessionals, and a baptistery with a 19th-century marble baptismal font and a copper lid adorn the entire interior, which is painted white and fully finished with wooden wainscoting. In addition to various valuable religious objects, there are also six 17th-century paintings to be admired, such as those of “The Flight into Egypt,” “The Deposition from the Cross,” “Gertrude,” “The Assumption of Mary,” and “The Lamentation of Christ.” Practical info: There are guided tours on September 13 starting at the following times: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM. You do not need to register in advance for this. Accessibility: Accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users.