The Sint-Pietersbandenkerk in Hamme, often simply called "the church of Hamme", is an important landmark in the municipality. It is a historically and architecturally valuable building that has both religious and cultural significance for the local community. Here are some important features and facts about the church:
### 1. **Architecture and History**
The Sint-Pietersbandenkerk dates back to the **Middle Ages**, with the first mentions of a church on this location in the **12th century**. However, the current building is largely the result of various extensions and restorations over the centuries. The church has a Gothic style, which is visible in the pointed arch windows and the high vaults, but Romanesque influences can also be found in certain parts of the construction.
The church tower, which is an important landmark in the village, was built in the **14th century**. The tower also serves as a belfry and has undergone several restorations, especially after damage from wars and fires.
### 2. **Interior**
The interior of the Sint-Pietersbandenkerk is impressive with a number of valuable works of art and religious objects. Some striking elements are:
- **The main altar**, which is built in the Baroque style.
- **Paintings** and **sculptures** by important Flemish artists, including a beautiful wooden crucifix from the 17th century.
- **Stained glass windows** that were restored during recent restorations, which give the play of light in the church a special atmosphere.
An important artefact in the church is a **17th century baptismal font**, which is still used for baptism ceremonies.
### 3. **Religious and Community Function**
The church is dedicated to Sint-Pietersbanden, a reference to the moment when the apostle Peter was freed from prison by an angel. It is an active parish church that is still used for services, weddings, funerals and other religious celebrations.
In addition, the church is a focal point during religious festivals and village celebrations, such as **processions** and **Christmas**. The church also plays an important role as a cultural centre during the annual Wuitensmarsen and other local events.
### 4. **Restorations**
The church has been restored several times, with major restorations in the **19th** and **20th centuries**, which have renovated and preserved both the exterior and the interior. During the First World War, the church was damaged, and during the Second World War, the building also suffered greatly, but thanks to thorough restoration work, the original character was preserved.
### 5. **Tourist and Cultural Value**
The Sint-Pietersbandenkerk is not only a place of religion, but also of cultural heritage. Many tourists and visitors to Hamme make a stop to admire the church because of its historical value and architectural beauty. It is a popular location for lovers of art, history and architecture.
### 6. **The Bells**
The bell tower of the Sint-Pietersbandenkerk contains several old bells that are still rung during religious celebrations and special occasions. The chime is an important symbol in the community and contributes to the village atmosphere.
The Sint-Pietersbandenkerk is therefore one of the most prominent historical buildings in Hamme and remains a focal point for both religion and culture.
The Sint-Pietersbandenkerk has its origins in the 7th century. With the construction of a stone church in the 9th century, this church is one of the oldest stone church buildings in the region... although the church as it stands today was almost entirely built in 1740-1753 in early classicist style to a design by the Dendermonde Augustinian monk Thomas Laureys (1688-1759) and even some parts date from the early 19th century.
The oldest part is the west tower, the only thing that remains from the 13th century.
The tasteful interior still contains many sculptures, paintings, silverware and textiles from the 16th to the 18th century. The oldest work of art is a 15th-century wrought iron candlestick in the shape of a tree of life. Also interesting is the remarkable organ by François Le Royer from 1682, which was rebuilt by Pieter Van Peteghem in the 18th century. It is crowned by St. Cecilia flanked by two angels playing music.