Church of the Birth of Our Lady

In the early 10th century, a small church already stood on the road from Ghent to Nevele, at the highest point of the former village of Mariakerke, which was at that time three-quarters wetlands.

The church building we see now most likely dates from the 13th century, although it has undergone changes to its structure over the centuries.

The architect Auguste Van Assche (1826-1907) restored the building to its original form and added two bays. He also designed part of the interior in neo-Gothic style. There are three retables by Jean-Baptiste Bethune (1821-1894), the founder of the St Luke’s Schools.

The unique churchyard with the bishops’ gallery was also designed by Bethune in 1873, but it was never completed. The gallery was used as the burial place for Ghent’s bishops until 1959. After that, they were able to be interred in the cathedral’s crypt once again. Also worth a visit is the picturesque old village centre near the church.

In one word: understated

History of a church

History of a place

Highlighted

Info

From 1 April to 31 October: every day: from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm 
From 1 November to 31 March: every day: from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

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