Until the beginning of the eighteenth century, the church was dedicated to Saint Brigid of Ireland or simply Saint Brigid, the patron saint of Ireland who founded the Kildare monastery in that country. She is also - among other things - the patron saint of cattle. In the Saint Salvator's Cathedral in Bruges, there is a piece of her cloak. She lived in the fifth and sixth centuries. Why her place was taken by Saint John the Baptist is not immediately clear. However, there are statues of both in the church.

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July 18, 2024

Hiking

Inside the church, the rood loft at the back is definitely worth a look. A beautiful neo-Gothic example that, together with the Romanesque tower, makes this church a winner. If you go inside to view the rood loft, you can also see what the Romanesque tower once looked like (look at the vaults and bricked holes). The fact that the stones for the tower come from the wall around Tongeren only makes it even more historically interesting.

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Jeff S

March 16, 2022

Hiking

The original Romanesque church was built in the 12th century. Arson by men of Jehannot-le-Bâtard destroyed the church in 1490; only the tower remained standing.
Restoration and reconstruction took place in Gothic style. The Romanesque church tower with small round-arched windows also served as a shelter over the years. Its walls are 1.80 m thick. Natural stones of all kinds were used in the construction. They come from the 4.5 km long wall from the 2nd century of the neighbouring town of Tongeren.
The church has been a protected monument since 1936.

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Best Hikes to Saint John the Baptist Church, Wellen

4.5

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1. Boardwalks – Oetersloven Chapel loop from Wellen

14.2km

03:40

80m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.5

(12)

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2. Saint John the Baptist Church, Wellen – The Herk loop from Wellen

14.3km

03:37

40m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.6

(12)

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3. Boardwalks – Through the meadows loop from Wellen

7.69km

01:58

30m

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Saturday 31 January

9°C

2°C

19 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h

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Location: Wellen, Tongeren, South Limburg, Flanders, Belgium

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Saint John the Baptist Church, Wellen

1. Boardwalks – Oetersloven Chapel loop from Wellen

2. Saint John the Baptist Church, Wellen – The Herk loop from Wellen

3. Boardwalks – Through the meadows loop from Wellen

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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