The Sint-Germanuskerk is located on the Veemarkt, the first medieval market square in Tienen. The successive enlargements, conversions and restorations, from the original small abbey church from the 9th century to a parish church, resulted in a fusion of different styles, ranging from Romanesque to High Gothic. Of the Romanesque four-tower basilica, with Maas and Rhenish influences, only the early 13th-century west building has survived. In the middle of the 16th century, the church was provided with a high-projecting transept and a tower, which was in turn crowned with a Baroque spire in 1713. The choir is Gothic and dates from 1310-1320. The original carillon by Willem Witlockx (1723) hangs in the church tower. In its current version, this carillon with 54 bells is one of the largest in the country. In July and August, the chimes can be heard every Wednesday evening. A listening place was set up in the Apostelenhof for this purpose.

The Vrijthof is the current forecourt of the Sint-Germanuskerk, located to the side of the main choir of the church. This site was part of the original cemetery, which was divided into three parts after the transept was enlarged in the 16th century. The three unequal parts each got their own name. Located between the southern transept arm and the southern aisle, the Apostelenhof was the part where members of the Brotherhood of the Twelve Apostles were buried. The "Hooge Kerkhof" or the cemetery of Saint Germanus was located on the side of the Wolmarkt.

Source: toerisme.tienen.be/sint-germanuskerk-en-vrijthof-veemarkt

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Jeff S

January 7, 2024

Sint-Germanus steals the show at the Veemarkt...

Translated by Google •

December 12, 2024

Tienen was once called the white city because of its whitewashed facades, but nowadays mainly because of its white towers. From a distance, three are still visible: from west to east the new water tower, the churches of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw and Sint-Germanus. The iconic cooling tower of the sugar refinery has since been demolished. The tower of Sint-Germanus is by far the oldest of these: Romanesque, with its base from the 12th and 13th centuries.

The church is also very privileged: at the height of the Veemarkt, accessible via two steep stairs, with a pleasant carillon corner at the Apostelenhof.

The church is also an example of the building blocks from the region, especially the quartzite from Overlaar. The tower (65 meters) and its carillon (54 bells) can be visited on occasion. In the church you will find the organist at work. This church is honored with the oldest church organ in the Netherlands.

After disasters in 1536 and 1635, parts were rebuilt in Gothic style. Over time, parts of the church became "crooked". The choir was raised seven degrees from the axis of the nave and the spire sank after an explosion in the city.

In 2003, three murals by Yvan Struys were consecrated.

Source: openchurches.eu/nl-be/gebouwen/sint-germanus-tienen

More about the famous carillon (only one of two remaining by Willem Witlockx, the other is in Portugal) on komoot.com/nl-nl/highlight/7081492

Translated by Google •

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