The neo-Gothic Church of Our Lady of Leffinge was built in 1877/1879 according to plans by architect Antoine Verbeke from Bruges. It replaced a dilapidated Romanesque/Gothic predecessor. The initiator was the Bruges bishop Faict, who came from Leffinge. The building's 13 towers refer to his year of birth (1813). Because of this background, and also because of its dimensions, this church is often called the 'Cathedral of the North'. It was protected as a monument in 1976.

From the start of construction work, the building was plagued by serious stability problems. This is clearly visible in the asymmetrical shape of the vaults in the side aisles. Restoration architect Walter Snauwaert described it as follows: 'The church of Leffinge was built on two types of soil: bad and very bad'. To avoid further subsidence, a large number of concrete piles had to be placed under the foundations. Only then could the effective restoration work start. With the exception of the interior, these are now largely finished. After years of closure, the church was rededicated on January 15, 2012 by Mgr. De Kesel.

Archaeological research following floor and excavation works in the church revealed remains of earlier construction phases. These certainly go back to the 12th century. No traces of the 10th century chapel were found. In the Middle Ages, the church tower was used to store the hallmarks of the Kamerlings Ambacht and the watering.

The church of Leffinge houses a number of beautiful religious works of art: neo-Gothic retable altar, 19th century choir and churchman's benches, 18th century pulpits and confessionals, 17th century painted panels 'Seven works of mercy'... The copper lid of the church is also particularly beautifully detailed. the baptismal font. The stained glass windows are by Arthur Verhaeghen, a student of Jean Bethune.

The church has been withdrawn from worship since July 1, 2021.

Source: middelkerke.be/nl/over-middelkerke/meer-middelkerke/erfgoed-en-historie-van-middelkerke/leffinge/onze-lieve

Translated by Google •

Lieve C.

August 5, 2024

During our bike ride on August 4, 2024, there was an exhibition in the church by artist William Sweetlove "Bill & James".
This special exhibition runs until September 1, 2024. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Mondays.

Translated by Google •

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Location: Middelkerke, Oostende, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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