Sint-Lambertus Church Overlaar

Overlaar is partly located on the territory of Tienen and partly on that of Hoegaarden. Brabant, that is. But in the past that was not the case. Overlaar, Hoegaarden, Rommersom, Hoksem, Bost, Sint-Katharina-Houtem and Nerm were part of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège for a long time and thus formed an enclave within Brabant. The church of Groot Overlaar (the part of Overlaar in Tienen) has existed since around 1200, long before Overlaar was no longer part of the Prince-Bishopric of Liège. The nave of the church is rare because it is one of the few pre-Romanesque monuments that has been preserved in its original location. It uses Roman material and quartzite. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Parish Church of Saint Lambertus, id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/43083 In front of the church there is a car park with an information board with walks in the region (it is part of Oorbeek). Also very interesting are the unfortunately partly dilapidated and disused buildings, including the remains of a farm. I am still trying to understand the connection between the buildings because a short visit via the small gate showed some interesting old and less old elements and combinations between the various areas. Although it is on a somewhat busier road, it is certainly worth walking here, also because of some other buildings. Not far from the church you are again on slow roads safely between the fields.

Beautiful church of Overlaar, with cemetery around it...

The Saint Lambert Church is one of the oldest Romanesque churches in the country. It was built in Gobertange style and quartzite. The church contains a pre-Romanesque rectangular nave from the 10th century, a Romanesque choir from the 12th century, a square west tower from the 13th century and a staircase tower from the 16th century. The restoration of the 19th-century organ, built by the Tiense organ builder P.A. Van Dinter, was completed in 1990.